Benin Republic coach Gernot Rohr accused Libyan police of attacking his team with batons after their 2025 AFCON qualifier in Tripoli. The Cheetahs secured a draw, qualifying for AFCON. Videos revealed injured players, echoing a similar incident faced by Nigeria’s Super Eagles in October during their Libya match.
The head coach of Benin Republic's national football team, Gernot Rohr, has accused Libyan police of assaulting him and his players following their African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match in Tripoli. The Cheetahs secured a goalless draw against Libya at the 11 June Stadium on Monday, earning them a spot in the 2025 AFCON tournament.
Benin Republic finished second in Group D, behind Nigeria, while Libya placed last and failed to qualify. After the match, videos emerged showing Benin team members tending to injuries with ice packs. Rohr himself was seen applying an ice pack to a head injury. Speaking to Canal+, the former Super Eagles coach claimed that Libyan police used batons to attack the team.
This incident follows a similar ordeal faced by Nigeria’s Super Eagles in October, during their own AFCON qualifiers in Libya. After winning a home match against Libya, the Nigerian team encountered severe hostility. Their flight for the return leg was diverted, and they were detained without food or water for over 20 hours. The Super Eagles eventually withdrew, prompting the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to award them the victory, along with a $50,000 fine imposed on Libya.
The treatment of visiting teams in Libya has drawn widespread criticism and heightened scrutiny on the country’s handling of international sporting events. The 2025 AFCON qualifiers continue to highlight concerns about security and fair play.
