- Nigeria beat Libya 1-0 in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers with a late Dele-Bashiru goal
- Iwobi and Simon were standout performers but were repeatedly denied by Libya’s goalkeeper
- Nigeria leads the group with 7 points from three matches
The Super Eagles narrowly defeated Libya 1-0 on Friday evening during matchday three of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in a match filled with much intensity and near misses.
After several missed opportunities and a display of defensive resilience, it was a late goal from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru that sealed all three points for Nigeria. The win pushes Nigeria closer to their AFCON qualification dream, as they now sit comfortably at the top of their group with seven points.
Head coach Austin Eguavoen opted for tactical adjustments by switching from a 3-4-3 formation to a more conventional 4-3-3. This change came with a few lineup alterations, most notably the benching of Semi Ajayi to accommodate the new structure, a player who has featured in the last 14 games for Nigeria.
Frank Onyedika was also handed his first start of the qualification campaign, while Alex Iwobi replaced Fisayo Dele-Bashiru in midfield. Moses Simon also started in place of Samuel Chukwueze, providing a fresh attacking option.
Libya attempted to make an early statement as Ahmed Ekrawa tried a 50:50 shot from inside his half just 10 minutes in. In response, the Super Eagles who were certainly not on the pitch for trial and error began to exert much control.
Alex Iwobi forced Libya’s goalkeeper, Murad Al Wuheeshi, into action twice within minutes, with the Fulham midfielder's powerful shots testing the opponent’s defence.
Nigeria continued to press forward, and a controversial penalty call was waved off by the referee after Lookman appeared to be brought down in the box by the opposition. Moments later, Lookman had a clear chance to score but was unable to convert. In the 27th minute, Troost-Ekong found himself in a prime position following Onyeka’s rebounded effort, only to send a clear scoring opportunity wide.
As the first half wore on, Moses Simon dazzled the crowd with his flicks and dribbles, cutting through the Libyan defence, but his efforts were again thwarted by the outstanding goalie Al Wuheeshi. Nigeria’s frustration continued to grow as Iwobi was denied once more just before halftime, and Lookman’s cross to Victor Boniface resulted in a blocked header.
The second half saw much more dominance from the home team, with Ndidi setting up Onyemaechi for a pinpoint cross to Iwobi, whose header missed the mark. Iwobi found himself with another golden opportunity after Lookman headed a cross towards him, but once again, the Fulham man couldn’t capitalise.
Libya's shot-stopper remained relentless, denying both Samuel Chukwueze and Lookman in what felt like endless waves of Nigerian attacks.
However, with just a few minutes left, Simon delivered a brilliant pass to Dele-Bashiru, who coolly finished to finally break the deadlock.
This late goal secured Nigeria’s second win in three matches, keeping them at the top of the group with seven points. Benin trails closely behind with six points, while Rwanda and Libya round out the group with two points and one point, respectively.
Nigeria will travel to Libya for the reverse fixture on October 15, aiming to extend their top position in the group.
Eguavoen denies resignation rumours, says he’s still in charge
Previously, TheRadar reported that reports swirled in on Tuesday night, September 10, that Super Eagles interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen had resigned from his role following Nigeria’s goalless draw against Rwanda in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
However, Eguavoen has swiftly denied these claims, clarifying that no such decision has been made and that he remains fully in charge of the national team.
