Benin Republic coach, Gernot Rohr, has said that his players are already aware that their last two games in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Nigeria are the most important matches in the country’s history.

Benin will make it to the 2026 World Cup to be played in the US, Canada and Mexico if the beat Rwanda on Friday and Nigeria on Tuesday.

Rohr, while highlighting the magnitude of the games, pointed out that the two fixtures are pivotal to their dream of reaching the global stage for the first time.

The Franco-German coach spoke to the press ahead of the decisive encounters against Rwanda and Nigeria.

“These matches against Rwanda and Nigeria are the two most important matches in the history of Benin, I think. The players are aware of that,” the former Super Eagles coach said.

The Cheetahs recorded a shock 2-1 victory over the Super Eagles in June 2024, Nigeria’s only loss in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Nigeria have a date with Lesotho in South Africa on Friday before welcoming Benin at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Tuesday.