During an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa Benin Republic head coach Gernot Rohr has lauded the quality of Beşiktaş midfielder Junior Olaitan, backing the versatile international to keep improving and deliver for the Cheetahs as they kick off their Group F AFCON 2027 qualification campaign against Burkina Faso and Mauritania.
Olaitan is a central figure in Rohr’s tactical setup, having started the Cheetahs’ last eighteen competitive matches prior to his recent disruption.
He was forced to sit out Benin’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Rwanda in October 2025 after his former club, Göztepe, prevented him from traveling due to an injury controversy.
Now settling in well at Beşiktaş, the midfielder’s return provides a timely tactical boost for the national side.
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Speaking with Footy-Africa, Rohr expressed full confidence in Olaitan’s ability to step up when it matters most.
“Junior Olaitan, plays in Turkey now, but he’s born in Nigeria, I think, or he was in the academy in Nigeria, that is sure, in Lagos”, he told Footy-Africa
“And he’s a good player, and important player for us, but we could not play with him in the last games because he was not able to come. He can be decisive for us and he can still improve, I’m sure about it.” He said.
Having started 18 consecutive competitive games before his forced absence, Olaitan’s return restores immediate tactical stability to Rohr’s starting XI.
His availability puts an end to the frustration surrounding his late 2025 club dispute, reintegrating a primary creative threat.
With his dynamic movement and versatility, Olaitan gives the Cheetahs an added sharp edge against disciplined Group F opponents like Burkina Faso and Mauritania.
Benin Republic will aim to establish early control in Group F, trusting that Olaitan’s consistency, development in Turkey, and high ceiling will power the Cheetahs back to the AFCON stage.
