Sports

Gernot Rohr: My Mission In Nigeria Is To Take Benin Republic To 2026 World Cup

Published

6 months ago

October 14, 2025

Benin Republic head coach, Gernot Rohr, has made it clear that his return to Nigeria has nothing to do with emotions but everything to do with the business of securing a World Cup ticket.

The former Super Eagles manager, who now leads the Cheetahs of the Benin Republic, is just one step away from making history by guiding the tiny West African nation to their first-ever FIFA World Cup. Benin currently tops Group C with 17 points from nine matches, sitting above South Africa and Nigeria.

Speaking with journalists in Uyo ahead of Tuesday’s high-stakes clash at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Gernot Rohr said his focus is solely on his team’s qualification dream.

“I have a lot of friends in Nigeria, even in this team. Some of the players here are ones I brought into the squad,” Rohr said. “But this is not a moment for emotions or memories. The focus is on a big match, and we’ll all be there to witness it.”

Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m., and the stakes couldn’t be higher. While Benin need only a draw to seal qualification, the Super Eagles must win by at least two goals to keep their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico alive.

Rohr, who coached Nigeria from 2016 to 2021, warned that his team is no stranger to tough away battles. Due to CAF’s stadium restrictions, Benin have played all their qualifying matches outside their home country.

“When you see that we played all the matches away, not one match at home,” Rohr explained. “We are used to playing away and having some finals. We also had it in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. We also had the last game very difficult in Libya under very special circumstances. Nigeria saw how it is there, and we won there in a very bad atmosphere.”

The 70-year-old German tactician believes that the experience of constantly playing on the road has toughened his squad and given them the mental edge to face Nigeria in Uyo.

“We go for a win but we know that we have to be patient and we know that Nigeria has only a chance if they win, so I believe it will be a very open match,” he added.

Despite the rivalry and tension surrounding the fixture, Rohr called for calm, reminding everyone that football should unite, not divide.

“It’s not a war, it’s a football game. Whatever the result will be, we will leave here and we will stay friends,” Rohr told reporters. “Now the moment for us is to be ready, to be relaxed and to have a good game tomorrow.”

With South Africa also set to face Rwanda in the group’s other fixture, Tuesday’s matches will decide who earns a direct ticket to North America next summer.

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Sports

Rooney claims supporter belief key to Arsenal ending 22-year drought in EPL

Published

3 days ago

April 20, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

Ex-Man United striker Wayne Rooney believes fan support could play a decisive role in the outcome of the Premier League title race, urging Arsenal F.C. supporters to get firmly behind their team during a difficult spell.

The Gunners’ hopes of winning a first league title in 22 years suffered a setback after a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City, leaving the defending champions within striking distance with games in hand.

The loss followed a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to AFC Bournemouth, after which some fans booed the players off the pitch.

Rooney questioned that reaction, insisting it could have a negative impact on the squad at a crucial stage of the season.

“I think the Arsenal fans need to be better. They’ve been brilliant all season and they’ve hit a little bad run of form,” Rooney said.

He emphasized how much players rely on backing from the stands, particularly when results dip.

“They need to understand how much the fan support means to the players and how much it can help you. When you lose a game and you get booed off, that can affect player,” he added.

Despite recent setbacks, Arsenal remain firmly in contention with five games left to play, but face intense pressure from City, who could overtake them at the top of the table.

Rooney pointed to the importance of unity between fans and players, especially given the club’s recent history of falling short in title races.

“For Arsenal to win the league, the Arsenal fans need to play their part. The fans need to back the players a little bit more because that will have hurt the Arsenal players, 100%,” he stressed.

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Sports

Oleksandr Usyk Backs Joshua To Beat Fury As Talks For Mega Fight Resume

Published

4 days ago

April 18, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk believes Anthony Joshua has what it takes to defeat Tyson Fury if the long-awaited all-British showdown finally happens.

Negotiations between both camps have restarted after years of failed attempts to stage the fight. Usyk, who has shared the ring with both men and beaten each of them twice, says his recent time in camp with Joshua has left him convinced the former world champion is ready to rise again.

It was reports that Joshua has been training in Spain alongside the unbeaten Ukrainian as he works his way back to full fitness following a December car crash that claimed the lives of two close friends. He suffered minor injuries but has since returned to structured training.

Speaking to The Independent, Usyk said he has been impressed by Joshua’s intensity in camp.

“I believe. I look how Anthony is training. He’s a machine,” Usyk said.

The Ukrainian urged fans to rally behind Joshua during a challenging period in his career. Drawing a comparison with his support for Dynamo Kyiv, he stressed the value of loyalty through setbacks.

“Now I think Anthony needs help. People who support AJ, we must say: ‘Yeah, we do believe!’ Listen. I’m a fan of Dynamo Kyiv. I’m a fan a long time. Sometimes, my team loses but I not say: ‘You’re bad, you’re bad.’,” he added.

“I say, ‘Things happen. You must work, pray. It’s normal because it’s sport. Sometimes people support team or fighter and fighter loses and they’re negative. You are not fan. We must help each other. If we don’t help each other we are not people. We are animals.”

Usyk admitted Joshua is close to a full return but urged patience as recovery continues.

“I think yes but we need a little bit of time because we know AJ has problem with body after crash but yes, he can return,” he said.

Promoter Eddie Hearn expects Joshua to take another fight before a potential clash with Fury. He confirmed the British star is likely to remain in Usyk’s training environment for at least his next two bouts.

“I think, at the moment, he’s very happy obviously. The plan is those two fights, he’ll certainly be training with Usyk for those two fights,” Hearn said.

“I think when he’s there and he’s focused and he’s got that purpose, I think it’s really good for him.”

Usyk is also preparing for his own blockbuster event. The champion is set to face kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven on May 23 in front of the Pyramids of Giza, with the World Boxing Council heavyweight title at stake.

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Sports

Arsenal ex-goalkeeper Manninger dies after car struck by train

Published

6 days ago

April 16, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who played for Austria at Euro 2008, died on Thursday after his car was hit by a train, his former club Red Bull Salzburg said.

The 48-year-old died when a train hit his car while crossing the tracks in the Salzburg region, the Austrian news agency APA reported.

“We mourn our former goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident,” Red Bull Salzburg posted on its Facebook page.

“Our thoughts are with his family and his friends. Rest in peace, Alexander.”

Both the Austrian Football Association and Arsenal also expressed condolences.

“With him, the world of football has lost a very special person,” the Austrian Football Association said on X.

“Everyone at Arsenal is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger,” Arsenal posted on X.

The cause of the accident, in which no one else was injured, is still under investigation, according to police.

Manninger made 64 appearances for Arsenal between 1997 and 2002, winning the Premier League and FA Cup.

He also played 33 times for Austria, including the 2008 Euros which were held on home soil.

Manninger started his career with hometown club Red Bull Salzburg and, in addition to Arsenal, played for teams across Europe, including Sienna, Juventus, Udinese and Augsburg.

Aged 39, he signed a short-term deal with Liverpool in 2016 but did not play.

AFP

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