By Aaior K. Comfort
Nigeria’s Super Eagles aim to maintain their strong start in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers as they host Libya in the third round of the qualification series at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo today.
Current Standings and Objectives
The Super Eagles look to extend their unbeaten run, having begun the qualifiers with a commanding 3-0 victory over Benin Republic and followed it up with a goalless draw away at Rwanda. Currently, Nigeria tops Group D with four points and is the only team yet to concede a goal in the group. A doubleheader victory over Libya will propel them closer to securing qualification, a goal that interim coach Austin Eguavoen is determined to achieve.
“The boys are ready to fight for those three points. Every second counts, and we know what it means to get the job done as early as possible. It is going to be tough, but I believe our players will deliver,” Eguavoen stated ahead of the encounter.
Historical Context
Today’s match marks the fifth meeting between Nigeria and Libya, with the Super Eagles winning all four previous encounters, including two in the AFCON qualifiers back in 2018. Eguavoen, whose squad has lost only once in their last 14 AFCON qualifying matches, hopes to maintain their impressive form and continue their dominance over the Libyans.
Despite Libya’s struggles, Eguavoen acknowledges their potential: “They (Libya) are down, but it doesn’t mean they can’t rise because they have games left to play. I know they will come here and fight, and we will also fight. Our focus is on the home game ahead of us.”
Team Updates and Challenges
The Super Eagles will face Libya without their talisman Victor Osimhen, but the team possesses ample talent to secure victory against the visitors, who arrive in Uyo with a new coach. Following disappointing results, the Libya Football Association sacked Serbian coach Milutin Sredojevic and appointed Nasser Al-Hadiri as his replacement.
Libya’s campaign has seen them draw 1-1 with Rwanda and lose 2-1 to Benin, leaving them at the bottom of Group D with just one point. Newly appointed coach Al-Hadiri is determined to help his side secure crucial points against Nigeria and end their 12-year absence from the AFCON.
Libya’s last appearance in the continental tournament was in 2012, and they must quickly turn their fortunes around to avoid missing out again.