2026 World Cup Qualifier: Gernot Rohr Tags Nigeria As Group Favourite

2026 World Cup Qualifier: Gernot Rohr Tags Nigeria As Group Favourite

Sampson Adedeji

Cheetah of Benin Republic head coach Gernot Rohr has tagged Nigeria's Super Eagles as the top favourite to qualify in Group C of the 2026 African World Cup qualifier, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The draw which was conducted on Thursday placed Nigeria in the same group with Benin, South Africa, Rwanda, Zimbabwe and Lesotho.

Rohr who has handled the Super Eagles of Nigeria further explained that it is a group of players and officials that are familiar with each other.

"Benin fell into an extremely tough group, with obviously Nigeria as the favourite, a team we know quite well. But also the others, that is to say, South Africa, already qualified for the next AFCON very early with a new state of mind,” the Franco-German technician explained.

“Of course, there is also Zimbabwe, which has a very strong physical team, and Rwanda, which we know quite well. And then there is also Lesotho, a country we are familiar with because Benin has played against them.

“It will be tough against South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho, who are geographically very close. As well as Nigeria and Benin, who are also neighbours. It’s a group of people who know each other, making it an extremely technical and physical challenge.", he told 24HauBenin.