The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Mediterranean Knights of Libya in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier matchday three at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, October 11.
Nigeria’s interim head coach Austine Eguavoen made both structural and personnel changes to his previous lineup which was held to a goalless draw in Rwanda in September. The former Bendel Insurance coach ditched his 3-5-3 formation for a 4-4-3, that saw the trio of Semi Ajayi, Samuel Chukueze and Fisayo Dele Bashiru replaced by Frank Onyeka, Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi.
Up against a Libya side content with parking the bus and time-wasting gimmicks, the Super Eagles—despite their attacking flair—struggled to maintain consistent intensity., as they failed to capitalise on their first-half chances to break the deadlock.
The second half seemed destined for a similar outcome, but in the 83rd minute, Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman latched onto a pass from substitute Chukwueze to slot the Eagles ahead. However, the 26-year-old’s strike was controversially ruled out for offside, echoing his disallowed goal against Rwanda in Kigali.
About three minutes after Lookman’s goal was disallowed, substitute Dele-Bashiru came through for the Super Eagles, scoring his second international goal and securing a vital win for the three-time African champions.
Reacting to his side’s performance, Eguavoen said, “I expected us to score more goals, overall we are happy to maintain our top spot.
“I was feeling bad, but we kept pushing and progressing. Emotions were high. Libya defended in numbers and we are happy to win. We were a bit slow in the first half, but the second half was good, we were faster and we got the goal.”
With this victory, the Super Eagles are now just one win away from qualifying for the 2025 AFCON as they prepare for the second leg against Libya at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Benghazi on Tuesday, October 15.
Meanwhile, the win also extended Nigeria’s dominance over Libya, making it five victories in all five encounters to date.
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