Gernot Rohr has revealed the conversation he had with his players as they prepare for their last two qualifying games.
The Cheetahs are set to play Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on October 10 before a decisive showdown with the Super Eagles in Uyo on October 14.
They are currently top of the Group C table with 14 points after South Africa were docked three points and three goals by FIFA.
The coach urged his players to stay focused despite leading Group C in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
What Rohr told his players
Speaking at a press conference, the German coach stressed that his team must not get carried away by their current standing, calling any premature celebrations “pointless.”
Rohr, who previously managed Nigeria at the 2018 World Cup, disclosed the clear message he sent to his squad ahead of the fixtures.
In quotes reported by Benin’s national broadcaster, Rohr stated: “We want to do the best we can. But for those who think we’re already at the World Cup because we happen to be first, we shouldn’t get too excited; it’s pointless.”
Gernot Rohr (Photo Credit: Imago)
“I wrote this to my players. I told some of them on the phone,” he added. “But we have to do everything we can to live up to the first place we’ve been given.”
Benin moved to the top of Group C after FIFA sanctioned South Africa for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in their match against Lesotho.
Heading into the final qualifying rounds, the Cheetahs are tied with South Africa on fourteen points and are three points ahead of the Super Eagles.