Benin Republic head coach Gernot Rohr has expressed confidence that his squad can handle the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Super Eagles of Nigeria, even without two of their key defenders, Cedric Hountondji and Olivier Verdon.
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While admitting his disappointment over the absence of the duo, Rohr believes his team has enough depth to fill the gaps effectively.
Speaking to Joueurs Beninois, Rohr acknowledged the loss of Hountondji and Verdon but remained optimistic about their replacements.
“We are missing key players, but we will manage without them. In the defensive line, we would have liked to have Cedric and Olivier with us, but they are not here,” he stated.
Benin Republic, currently sitting in second place in Group D with six points from four matches, will host Nigeria at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on Thursday night.
Just four days later, they will face the Mediterranean Knights of Libya in another crucial encounter.
