In a thrilling matchup in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series, Nigerian midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru emerged as the hero with a late goal that secured a 1-0 victory against Libya. The match, held at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, was significant for Nigeria, as the result allowed them to maintain their lead in Group D. Dele-Bashiru’s decisive contribution came just five minutes from the final whistle, showcasing his ability to impact the game despite coming off the bench in the second half. This victory marked Nigeria’s second win in three matches in the qualifying rounds, reinforcing their position as strong contenders for a spot in the upcoming tournament.
The game unfolded with Nigeria dominating possession, continually pressuring the Libyan defense and creating several scoring opportunities. The visitors, Libya, adopted an ultra-defensive strategy, intending to secure a draw that might uplift their morale in future matches. Their tactics included time-wasting antics, leading to the early booking of their goalkeeper, Murad Al Wuhayshi, for delaying play. Nigeria, in contrast, was more aggressive in their approach, with Ademola Lookman even earning a penalty shout in the first half that the referee dismissed. Although Nigeria had the upper hand, they struggled to convert their chances, highlighted by William Troost-Ekong’s missed opportunity in the 28th minute, where he shot over the bar from a promising position.
Despite Nigeria’s persistent offensive efforts, Libya’s defense remained resolute, and their goalkeeper played a crucial role in thwarting many attempts. A notable moment came in the 48th minute when Al Wuhayshi collided with Nigerian striker Victor Boniface, resulting in a lengthy stoppage for the latter to receive medical attention. Nigeria’s struggle to find the back of the net continued, culminating in a disallowed goal by Lookman in the 83rd minute, which was ruled offside. The contentious decision drew protests from the Nigerian bench and dissatisfaction from the home crowd, further intensified by replays showing the call may have been marginal, stirring frustration due to the absence of VAR technology during the match.
As the game seemed destined for a goalless draw, Dele-Bashiru’s timely intervention brought excitement back to the stadium. In the 85th minute, he expertly converted a pass from Moses Simon, taking advantage of a lapse in the Libyan defense. With a well-placed shot, the Lazio midfielder stunned Al Wuhayshi, who had little chance to react as the ball sailed past him, marking a pivotal moment in the match. This late goal not only secured the three points for Nigeria but also showcased Dele-Bashiru’s emerging status as a key player for the Super Eagles, capable of changing the dynamics of a match with his skill and poise under pressure.
In the waning moments of the match, Libya desperately sought an equalizer, cranking up the intensity as they pushed forward. However, Nigeria’s defense held firm, with players showcasing resilience and discipline to maintain their clean sheet. The Super Eagles managed to thwart Libya’s efforts, culminating in a crucial victory that solidified their position at the top of Group D. With seven points from three matches, Nigeria lead by one point over the Benin Republic, who claimed a convincing 3-0 victory over Rwanda in another group fixture. Libya, on the other hand, languished at the bottom of the group standings, with only one point to their name, raising questions about their chances for progression in the qualifying campaign.
This match against Libya not only illustrates the competitive nature of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers but also reflects Nigeria’s determination to secure their place in the tournament. With a blend of experienced players and emerging talents like Dele-Bashiru rising to the occasion, the Super Eagles are poised to build on this momentum in upcoming matches. Coach Austin Eguavoen has commendably instilled a fighting spirit in the team, emphasizing the importance of resilience and strategic play amidst challenging situations. Nigeria’s ability to adapt and capitalize on opportunities will be critical as they prepare for their next challenges in the qualifying series. As the group stage continues, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Super Eagles navigate through remaining fixtures, aiming for a significant return to the continental stage.
