Football
Exclusive: Benin Republic’s Junior Olaitan Sets Sights on AFCON Glory
Benin Republic forward Junior Olaitan pledges to lead the Squirrels to AFCON 2025, reflecting on missed opportunities and the guidance of coach Gernot Rohr as the team prepares for crucial qualifiers.
Benin FA
Benin Republic forward Junior Olaitan has vowed that the Squirrels will do everything possible to secure qualification for the next year's CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after missing the 2023 tournament.
The Grenoble of France star, said not partaking in the 2023 AFCON in Côte d'Ivoire is a big disappointment and team is committed to ensuring they do not miss out on another opportunity.
Missed Opportunity in Côte d'Ivoire
Benin Republic failed to qualify for the 2023 AFCON after a disappointing qualifying campaign. In their last Group L match against Mozambique, they needed a win to secure their place. However, they fell short, losing 3-2, which ended their hopes of qualification.
Current Standings in Group C
The Squirrels now find themselves in a similar position as they aim for the next AFCON. Benin currently sits second in Group C with two games remaining.
They trail Nigeria by four points, hold a one-point lead over Rwanda, and are five points ahead of last-place Libya. With Nigeria almost guaranteed to top the group, the fight for the second qualification spot is primarily between Benin and Rwanda.
Olaitan's Determination to Meet Expectations
In an interview with SportsBoom.com, Olaitan hinted that the team's drive to meet the expectations of Beninese fans.
"There’s no turning back now. We have to compete at AFCON. Missing out on the last two tournaments was a disappointment, especially since I know we have the talent to be there," he told SportsBoom.com.
Our team has exceptional players and coaches, and I’m confident we’ll make it to Morocco, even though it won’t be easy. We can't fail our fans again.
Junior Olaitan
Crucial Games Against Nigeria and Libya
Benin's qualification journey will continue with a match against Nigeria's Super Eagles in Côte d'Ivoire, followed by a trip to Tripoli, Libya, for their final qualification game.
Olaitan admitted the difficulty of these fixtures but remained optimistic: "We know they are tough fixtures, but starting with Nigeria, we’re prepared for the challenge. Nigeria’s Super Eagles have one of the strongest attacks in Africa, and they’re in top form, but we’re not intimidated. We’re going in with one goal: to secure all three points."
The match against Nigeria, scheduled to take place at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Ivory Coast, is the third meeting between the two teams this year. Benin previously defeated Nigeria 2-1 during the FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June, though they lost 3-0 in the return leg at Nigeria's Nest of Champions stadium in Uyo.
Confidence in Facing Nigeria Again
Reflecting on their previous encounters with Nigeria, Olaitan expressed confidence: "We beat them in June, so I’m confident we can do it again. I have complete faith in my teammates. After our 3-0 loss in Uyo last September, it felt like a wake-up call. This is a chance for us to redeem ourselves."
Gernot Rohr’s Impact on Benin's National Team
Benin Republic is currently led by former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr, who guided the Nigerian Super Eagles to the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2019 AFCON before his departure.
Olaitan commended Rohr’s influence on the team, saying, "Rohr is a skilled coach, and you can see the impact he’s had on our national team. Since he joined, we’ve seen real progress, and I’m sure he’ll continue to make improvements – it’s just a matter of time."
Seyi Alao is a Nigerian sports reporter, writer, and producer, known for delivering engaging sports content in both English and Pidgin. At Brila FM, I transitioned seamlessly into the role of Content Creator, demonstrating a deep understanding of media dynamics and effectively crafting captivating and informative narratives.