Drama As Benin Report Case to FIFA Over Nigerian-Born Player Before Key World Cup Clash
- Gernot Rohr has officially reported a Turkish club to the world football governing body ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers
- Benin Republic will take on the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on October 10
- The Cheetahs lead CAF qualification Group C, overtaking South Africa after FIFA stripped Bafana Bafana of three points
Gernot Rohr is on the verge of qualifying Benin Republic for their first-ever FIFA World Cup.
The Cheetahs got into the race after FIFA deducted three points and three goals from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player during their qualifiers against Lesotho on March 21.
The ruling changed the situation of the CAF qualification group C, with Benin now sitting at the top with 14 points, level with South Africa but ahead on goal difference, and three points clear of Nigeria.
Source: Getty Images
Gernot Rohr reports club to FIFA
Benin Republic Football Association have reported Turkish Super Lig club Goztepe to the world football governing body.
According to Daily Post, Benin Republic coach Gernot Rohr said the club intentionally prevented Junior Olaitan from attending the crucial match against Rwanda and Nigeria.
The German tactician said the country had made preparations to examine the midfielder when he joins the squad. The former Super Eagles coach said:
"Junior Olaitan is not with the national team because his club stopped him from coming for the qualifiers.
“We have therefore sent a letter to FIFA to denounce this situation. Even an injured player must report to his national team’s training camp.”
The 23-year-old failed to feature for Goztepe against Eyupspor and Istanbul Basaksehir due to injury. The midfielder attempted to sneak away from the club but was stopped by the club officials.
Source: Getty Images
The Cheetahs medical team insists the Turkey-based forward is fit to play, but the Super Lig side has refused to release him.
Three other Benin Republic players out
The injury list of the Benin Republic has grown with three other players set to miss the crucial World Cup qualifiers.
According to The New Times, Burnley FC forward Andreas Hountondji is struggling to recover after sustaining a knock against Aston Villa last weekend.
Sumgayit FK player Abdoul Rachid Moumini and Kustosija Zagreb star Rodolfo Aloko have already been ruled out completely due to injuries.
Both players were expected to play crucial roles in Rohr’s team for the final stretch of the qualifiers. Their absence leaves the former Super Eagles coach with limited attacking options heading into the must-win games against Rwanda and Nigeria.
Rohr has charged the remaining squad to give their best in their double away matches in the World Cup qualifying series.
Super Eagles face World Cup setback
Legit.ng earlier reported that the Super Eagles encountered a major setback after a key defender withdrew from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic, and could miss the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Germany-based defender Felix Agu has withdrawn from the squad for the qualifier matches against Benin Republic and Lesotho after a severe injury.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
