- Osimhen will be absent, but Eguavoen speaks confidently of the remaining strikers
- Libya's Mediterranean Knights have arrived in Uyo for their away match
- Victory in both matches against Libya will secure Nigeria's spot in AFCON 2025
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are preparing for an important double-header against Libya as they look to secure their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
With Morocco set to host the finals, the Nigerian side, under caretaker coach Augustine Eguavoen, knows that victory in these back-to-back fixtures will book their ticket early, eliminating any last-minute pressures. Nigeria currently tops Group D, boasting four points from two matches, and is poised to capitalise on their momentum.
Eguavoen, eager to avoid a nail-biting finish to the qualifying campaign, emphasised the importance of these encounters,
“We have to be practical about it: our best and surest route to the finals will be to pick up the six points in the matches with Libya and be somewhat guaranteed of a place in Morocco even before Matchday 5. We don’t want to be in any anxiety in the run-in in this qualifying campaign.”
Although the absence of Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s prolific striker, is a significant loss, Eguavoen remains optimistic,
“I admit we will miss Victor, but I believe in the other strikers available to get us the goals that will give us the three points in Uyo, and the three points in Libya.”
The Super Eagles’ immediate focus is however on the upcoming clash at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo this Friday. A win in this fixture would put Nigeria within touching distance of qualification.
The reverse fixture will be held on Tuesday at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium near Benghazi, Libya, at 8 pm Nigerian time (9 pm Libyan time).
Victory in both matches will not only see the Super Eagles punch their ticket to AFCON 2025, but it will also allow them to approach the remaining group fixtures without the burden of qualification hanging over their heads.
Nigeria’s opponents, Libya’s Mediterranean Knights arrived at the Port Harcourt International Airport on Tuesday, October 8th before making the journey to Uyo by road.
Malawian referee Godfrey Philip Nkhakananga will officiate the first leg in Uyo, with compatriots Clemence Kanduku and Joseph Nyauti serving as assistant referees, while Botswana's Keabetswe Dintwa will be the fourth official.
For the second leg, Cape Verdean referee Delgado Rocha will take charge of proceedings in Benina, with Djêry Gomes Lopes and Jorge Santos Fonseca Aritson as his assistants. The Confederation of African Football has also appointed officials from Burkina Faso, Algeria, and Mali to oversee match safety and assessment.
Tuesday’s encounter will kick off at 8 pm Nigeria time (9 pm Libya time).
Arokodare optimistic about Super Eagles future after leading Nigerian scoring charts in Europe
Previously, TheRadar reported that Genk forward Tolu Arokodare, who has taken European football by storm this season, was in no rush to earn a Super Eagles call-up despite his remarkable form.
The young Nigerian sensation leads the scoring chart among Nigerian players in Europe’s top 15 leagues, outpacing stars like Victor Boniface, Akor Adams, and Victor Osimhen. Yet, he remains patient, knowing that the competition for places in the Super Eagles is fierce.
