Nigeria will host Libya at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday evening in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifying match. This fixture presents an opportunity for Nigeria’s Super Eagles to solidify their place at the top of Group D, while Libya will be aiming for their first victory in the qualifying campaign.
With Nigeria having accumulated four points from their opening two games and yet to concede a goal, they head into this fixture with confidence. Libya, on the other hand, have struggled, with a 1-1 draw against Rwanda and a 2-1 defeat to Benin leaving them at the bottom of the group. A win for Nigeria will edge them closer to securing qualification for the 2025 AFCON, while Libya will be desperate to turn around their fortunes.
Nigeria’s Unbeaten Start and Dominance over Libya
The Super Eagles are unbeaten in the AFCON qualifiers so far, having secured a 3-0 victory against Benin Republic in their first match and a goalless draw against Rwanda in their second. Nigeria currently leads Group D with four points and is the only team yet to concede a goal, a testament to their solid defense. Their impressive form is reflected in their recent record, having lost just one of their last 14 AFCON qualifying matches.
This will be the fifth meeting between Nigeria and Libya, with the Super Eagles having won all four previous encounters, including two in the 2018 AFCON qualifiers. Augustine Eguavoen, who was appointed interim coach, has successfully guided the team through this phase, and a doubleheader win over Libya will see them extend their unbeaten run while moving closer to securing a spot in the 2025 AFCON.
Libya’s Struggles and Long AFCON Absence
Libya has not qualified for the AFCON since 2012, and their current form does little to suggest that they will break this drought. After a 1-1 draw with Rwanda in their opening game of the qualifiers, Libya suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Benin. Although they took an early lead through Faisal Al Badri’s penalty, they were unable to maintain control, conceding two goals in quick succession in the second half.
Head coach Milutin Sredojevic faces an uphill task as his team sits at the bottom of Group D with just one point. Injuries to key players such as Ahmed Al-Tarbi and Mohammed Al-Tabbal further compound their problems. The Mediterranean Knights will be hoping to pick up points against Nigeria to keep their slim qualification hopes alive, but their lack of confidence and poor form will make this a daunting challenge.
Team News and Key Players
Nigeria will be missing two key players in the form of Victor Osimhen, the Galatasaray striker, and defender Olisah Ndah, who plies his trade with Orlando Pirates in South Africa. Despite their absence, the Super Eagles still boast a formidable lineup, with Ademola Lookman expected to lead the attack. Lookman, who scored twice in Nigeria’s last home match against Benin, will be a key figure for the hosts, alongside returning players such as Chidera Ejuke and Bright-Osayi Samuel.
Libya, on the other hand, will be without several important players due to injury, including defenders Ahmed Al-Tarbi and Mohammed Al-Tabbal. Their attack will likely be led by Ahmed Kraouaa, who is yet to find the net in this qualifying campaign. Kraouaa will need to step up if Libya is to have any hope of causing an upset against a strong Nigerian side.
Prediction: Nigeria Favorites to Extend Unbeaten Run
Nigeria has found stability under interim coach Augustine Eguavoen, and with a wealth of talent at their disposal, they are favorites to win this match. Libya’s struggles, both in form and in squad availability, make them the underdogs going into the fixture. The Super Eagles will be confident of securing another victory, given their historical dominance over Libya and their current momentum in the AFCON qualifiers.
While Libya will be hoping to pull off a surprise and revive their qualification campaign, Nigeria’s strong defense and potent attack make them the clear favorites to secure three points and move one step closer to AFCON 2025. A win for the Super Eagles would further cement their position at the top of Group D and increase their chances of reaching the continental tournament in Morocco.
