Benin Republic’s national football team, the Squirrels, has unveiled its 25-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Nigeria. The team’s head coach, Gernot Rohr, announced the squad at a press conference in Cotonou on Friday. Rohr, formerly the coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, has included Remo Stars goalkeeper Serge Obassa in the squad. Obassa has been a standout performer in the Nigeria Premier Football League, serving as Remo Stars’ first-choice goalkeeper since his arrival at the start of last season.
Other notable players included in the squad are goalkeeper Saturnin Allagbe, Olivier Verdon, Mohamed Tjani, and Cedric Hountounji. The team’s captain, Steve Mounie, will also be joining the squad, alongside Junior Olaitan, Jodel Dossou, and Tosin Ayegun. These players are expected to play crucial roles in the team’s campaign.
The Squirrels will face Rwanda’s Amavubi at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Friday, October 6, before traveling to Uyo to take on the Super Eagles at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium four days later. The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers are a crucial tournament for the team, and Rohr’s squad selection will be under scrutiny as they aim to secure a spot in the prestigious tournament.
The Benin Republic team will be looking to build on their past performances and make a strong impression in the qualifiers. With a mix of experienced and young players, the squad has a good balance of skills and talent. The upcoming matches against Rwanda and Nigeria will be a test of their strength and determination, and fans will be eagerly watching to see how they perform. The squad’s preparation and strategy will be crucial in determining their success in the tournament.
