Benin Republic head coach, Gernot Rohr, has forecast that Zimbabwe will offer a tough challenge when they face Nigeria in Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

Nigeria, coming off a 2-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali, will host Zimbabwe, who recently settled for a 2-2 draw with Benin. In a post-match press briefing, Rohr reflected on the draw, noting that although his team performed better in the first half, Zimbabwe took control in the second to secure a single point. He pointed out that with that result, Zimbabwe’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup have been effectively dashed.

Despite the setback, Rohr expressed confidence in Zimbabwe’s resilience, adding that he expects their coach and staff to bring the same fighting spirit against Nigeria in Uyo, and in their upcoming matches against Rwanda and Lesotho. Currently, Nigeria sits in fourth place in Group C, while Zimbabwe remains at the bottom of the group.