Nigeria’s Super Eagles edged closer to qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Libya at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s late goal was enough to secure all three points for the Super Eagles in a tense Group D encounter.
The match, characterised by missed opportunities and questionable officiating, saw Nigeria dominate possession but struggle to find the back of the net until the dying moments.
Libya, content to sit back and disrupt play, engaged in frequent time-wasting tactics, but their resilience was eventually broken by Dele-Bashiru’s decisive strike.
Super Eagles coach Austin Eguavoen opted for an attacking 4-3-3 formation, with Ademola Lookman, Victor Boniface, and Moses Simon spearheading the offence.
Early in the game, Alex Iwobi tested the Libyan goalkeeper with a powerful shot, but despite Nigeria’s dominance in the opening half, they were unable to capitalise on their chances.
Captain William Troost-Ekong missed a crucial opportunity after a rebound from a Frank Onyeka shot, and Iwobi was twice denied – first by a point-blank save and later with a misfired header from six yards out.
The second half continued in the same vein, with Nigeria pushing forward while the Libyans defended resolutely.
Lookman thought he had broken the deadlock after a slick passing move, but his goal was controversially ruled offside, sparking frustration among the Super Eagles and their supporters.
The breakthrough finally came in the closing stages, when Moses Simon delivered a precise pass from the wing to Dele-Bashiru, who calmly slotted the ball into the far corner, leaving the Libyan goalkeeper stranded.
The goal sent the crowd into a frenzy and ensured Nigeria maintained their unbeaten run in the qualifiers.
With the victory, Nigeria now tops Group D with seven points from three matches, solidifying their position as favourites to advance to the 2025 AFCON tournament.
The Super Eagles will travel to Benghazi for the return leg against Libya on October 15, aiming to further strengthen their qualification hopes.
This win continues Nigeria’s resurgence under coach Eguavoen, who has been instrumental in revitalizing the team’s performances since taking charge.
The Super Eagles now look poised to secure their place in Africa’s premier football competition.
