The Libya National Football Team has recently convened to initiate their preparations for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Nigeria, scheduled for October 11, 2025. The National Team’s training began under the guidance of their new head coach, Nasser Al-Hadhiri, along with his assistants, Tunisian Akram Al-Hammami and Aboubaker Harak. The team held their first training session in Tripoli, signifying a new chapter as they gear up for a challenging encounter against Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
As part of their preparations, the Libyan team plans to arrive in Abuja on October 7, before proceeding to Uyo for the match against the Super Eagles. This structured approach highlights the seriousness with which Libya is approaching this crucial qualifier. On the opposing side, Nigeria’s coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has yet to unveil his squad for the back-to-back fixtures, with the second leg set to take place on October 15 at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Benghazi. This uncertainty around player selection could play a pivotal role in the overall strategy for both teams.
In the context of the ongoing qualifiers, Nigeria has had a promising start, recording a commanding 3-0 victory over Benin Republic in their opening match on September 7. Following that, they faced Rwanda, concluding the match in a goalless draw in Kigali three days later. These results have positioned Nigeria at the top of Group D, with a total of four points, setting them up favorably for the forthcoming matches against Libya.
Conversely, Libya has faced a rocky beginning in the qualifiers. The team managed to secure only one point from their first two games, beginning with a 1-1 draw against Rwanda on September 4 at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Benghazi. They then suffered a 2-1 defeat to the Benin Republic, played at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan. As a result, Libya currently sits at the bottom of the group, underscoring the urgency for the team to improve their performances in the upcoming matches.
As the qualifiers progress, Nigeria’s early results indicate a strong position in their group, while Libya grapples with the pressure of needing points to stay competitive. The performance of both teams in the upcoming matches will not only affect their standings but could greatly influence the morale and confidence of the players moving forward in the tournament.
In conclusion, the upcoming fixtures between Libya and Nigeria are poised to be critical battles in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. With Libya regrouping under new management and Nigeria boasting a solid start, both teams have their respective motivations—Libya looking to secure valuable points and Nigeria aiming to maintain their early momentum. As the match dates approach, the focus will be on strategies, player selections, and ultimately, the execution of plans on the pitch, determining their fates in the qualifiers.
