More trouble for Libya as federation president resigns after Super Eagles win

• Libyan FA President Abdul Hakim Al-Shalmani resigns days before the second-leg AFCON qualifier against Nigeria
• Nigeria defeated Libya 1-0 in a tense match, with a late goal by Dele-Bashiru
• Al-Shalmani’s resignation comes as several Libyan clubs demanded his removal or refused to participate in their new season

Libyan football has been plunged into disarray just days before a crucial AFCON 2025 qualifier as Abdul Hakim Al-Shalmani, the embattled President of the Libyan Football Federation, submitted his resignation. 

His exit comes on the heels of Libya's 1-0 defeat to Nigeria on Tuesday, October 11 in a tense match during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Al-Shalmani’s resignation, which many saw as inevitable, shows deeper issues within the Libyan football leadership hierarchy. 

During the match, Nigeria wrestled control after Libya’s early scare, with players like Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman consistently testing Libya’s defences, though they faced stiff resistance from goalkeeper Murad Al Wuheeshi. The Super Eagles' relentless attack finally paid off when Moses Simon assisted Dele-Bashiru in securing the lone goal that sealed Nigeria’s victory.

According to reports from Dzairsport, Al-Shalmani’s resignation occurred at a General Assembly meeting held in Tripoli at the Mahari Hotel on Sunday, October 13. The resignation is said to have preempted a vote of no confidence, as several clubs had refused to participate in the Libyan Premier League until Al-Shalmani stepped down. 

His leadership which begun in December 2018 had been widely criticised by clubs and the media alike for its lack of strategic direction. Many felt he had failed to set clear goals to elevate Libyan football to international prominence. Analysts believe his resignation, though seemingly tactical, came far too late to reverse the damage done to his reputation.

This move comes just days before Libya faces Nigeria in the second leg of their AFCON 2025 qualifier on Tuesday, October 15. With Libya at the bottom of the group and Nigeria looking to extend their lead, the resignation casts further uncertainty over the national team’s preparations. Though Al-Shalmani’s tenure saw him widely regarded as the worst president in the federation’s history, his resignation has been seen by some Libyan sports outlets as a crucial turning point for Libyan football as the country’s football federation seeks stronger leadership to guide its future.

AFCON Qualifiers: Eguavoen has faith in Iheanacho but Libya faces preparation woes

Previously, TheRadar reported that with the crucial AFCON qualifiers just around the corner, Augustine Eguavoen, the interim head coach of the Super Eagles, has shed light on his decision to include Sevilla's struggling striker Kelechi Iheanacho in the squad. 

Despite the striker's ongoing goal drought for both club and country, Eguavoen remains firm in his belief that Iheanacho brings invaluable experience to the team. According to him, the decision came in the wake of Victor Osimhen's injury, which left a notable void in Nigeria's attack.