Nigeria is set to host Libya in the crucial third round of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, as they aim to build on their strong start to the campaign. The Super Eagles have begun the qualifiers with confidence, having secured a 3-0 victory over Benin Republic, followed by a goalless draw against Rwanda. Currently, they sit atop Group D with four points and maintain an impeccable defensive record, being the only team in the group yet to concede a goal. With a decisive victory over Libya, Nigeria could strengthen their position and move closer to securing a place in the tournament. Interim coach Austin Eguavoen expressed confidence in the team’s readiness to compete, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming match while acknowledging the challenges ahead.
As Nigeria prepares to face Libya, they have a historical advantage, having won all four previous encounters between the two nations. The upcoming match marks the fifth meeting, with Nigeria previously defeating Libya in the 2018 AFCON qualifiers. Eguavoen’s squad boasts a remarkable record, having lost only once in their last 14 AFCON qualifiers. Despite Libya’s current struggles, sitting at the bottom of Group D with one point, Eguavoen remains focused on the task at hand and asserts that Nigeria needs to be cautious, as Libya will fight for their first win after two disappointing results.
Libya, under new leadership, is desperate for points and determined to end their 12-year absence from the AFCON. After sacking Serbian coach Milutin Sredojevic due to a poor start to the qualifiers, the Libyan Football Association appointed Nasser Al-Hadiri as the new head coach. Libya’s campaign began with a lackluster 1-1 draw against Rwanda, followed by a 2-1 loss to Benin, where they initially led only to concede two goals later in the match. The team recognizes the challenge of facing Nigeria and the need to quickly gather points to improve their standings in the group.
Despite Nigeria’s recent success, the Super Eagles will have to contend without their star striker, Victor Osimhen, for the match against Libya. However, the team’s depth and quality players provide confidence that they can still secure a vital win. Eguavoen has faith in his squad’s ability to perform under pressure and is optimistic that the players will deliver the required results against a struggling Libyan side. The dynamic of having a new coach in Libya adds an element of unpredictability to the match, as Al-Hadiri will likely seek to motivate his players to achieve a turnaround in performance.
From Libya’s perspective, their last participation in the AFCON came in 2012, and their goal is to qualify for the tournament once again. Despite their current position in Group D, the Libyan team is determined to remain resilient and focus on their upcoming matches. They must capitalize on potential opportunities to secure points against Nigeria, a formidable opponent but one they aspire to challenge. For Libya, the importance of the match cannot be overstated, as earning a significant result could rejuvenate their campaign and boost morale within the squad.
As the match day approaches, both teams are acutely aware of the stakes involved. Nigeria looks to build on their early success in the qualifiers, while Libya seeks redemption after a disappointing start. Eguavoen’s experience and past success serve as motivation for the Super Eagles, while Al-Hadiri will look to instill a sense of urgency in his newly assembled squad. With the AFCON looming on the horizon, this game represents more than just points; it symbolizes the hopes and aspirations of both nations as they strive for continental competition glory.
