Head coach of Benin Republic, Gernot Rohr, has expressed concerns ahead of his side's upcoming game against Nigeria in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Super Eagles will begin their 2025 AFCON qualifiers campaign against the Squirrels of Benin at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on September 7, before travelling away to Rwanda in their next encounter.

Rohr, who is Nigeria's longest-serving national team head coach has expressed worry at the prospect of facing the three-time African champions in Uyo and the current state of his team.

"Some of my players are not that active at club level either because they are out of contract or looking for new teams. Nigeria have a few like that but they are many of them who are already very active and match fit. However, we will do our best to put up a fight and have a good game plan to win”, the 71-year-old said.

The former Bayern Munich defender believes the Godswill Akpabio Stadium was a fortress for the Super Eagles during his tenure as head coach.

"Super Eagles will be happy to play in Uyo again because for two years they didn’t play there while I was there because of politics in the federation. It’s a nice stadium that allows both teams to play good football. Opponents are not comfortable there against us while I was coach of Nigeria, now I have the same feelings facing the Super Eagles in Uyo”.

Rohr led Benin Republic to a 2-1 victory against the Super Eagles in their last encounter in the World Cup qualifiers in June.