In a dramatic finish, Nigeria’s Super Eagles triumphed over Libya with a 1-0 victory, courtesy of Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s late strike. The tension-filled Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier, held at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, saw Nigeria dominate possession but struggle to break down Libya’s defensive setup. Despite numerous missed chances, it was Dele-Bashiru, a second-half substitute, who finally provided the breakthrough in the 87th minute, sealing Nigeria’s win.
The match started with the Super Eagles on the front foot, controlling the tempo and creating several goal-scoring opportunities. However, poor finishing and the heroic efforts of the Libyan goalkeeper kept the game level for most of the 90 minutes. Dele-Bashiru’s decisive goal came after a well-placed assist from Moses Simon, ensuring that Nigeria topped their qualification group and remained on course for AFCON 2024.
Libya’s Defensive Tactics and Time-Wasting Stunt Nigeria’s Attack
Throughout the match, Libya employed a defensive strategy, commonly referred to as “parking the bus,” aimed at frustrating the Super Eagles. Libyan players frequently resorted to time-wasting tactics, going down with alleged injuries and delaying play at every opportunity. Despite these efforts, they struggled to counter Nigeria’s relentless pressure, but they managed to keep the match goalless well into the second half, thanks to their well-organized defense and a few key saves from their goalkeeper.
Nigeria, although dominant in possession, found it challenging to break through Libya’s compact defense. Misplaced passes and a lack of cohesion in the final third marred the Super Eagles’ performance, leaving fans on edge. As the minutes ticked away, frustration mounted as Nigeria’s attacking players failed to capitalize on their numerous chances. However, Dele-Bashiru’s goal in the dying moments proved that persistence paid off, despite Libya’s efforts to slow the game down.
Controversial Refereeing Decisions Ignite Protests
The officiating came under scrutiny as both Libyan and Nigerian fans expressed their dissatisfaction with the refereeing. Libya’s persistent time-wasting prompted only four minutes of stoppage time, which many considered inadequate given the frequency of delays throughout the game. This decision sparked protests from both sides, with Libyan players visibly upset at the end of the match, while Nigerian fans voiced concerns over the limited added time given their team’s quest for a winning goal.
In the 83rd minute, the Super Eagles appeared to have taken the lead when Ademola Lookman found the back of the net. However, the goal was controversially ruled out for offside, triggering outrage among Nigerian supporters, many of whom called for the implementation of VAR in African qualifiers. Despite these setbacks, Nigeria managed to secure the win, though questions about the refereeing will likely linger for both teams as they prepare for their next matches.
Dele-Bashiru’s Impact and Nigeria’s AFCON Aspirations
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s introduction into the match proved to be a game-changer for Nigeria. Coming on in the 73rd minute, the midfielder added fresh energy and creativity to Nigeria’s attack, which had been lacking up to that point. His well-timed strike in the 87th minute was the result of quick thinking and precise execution, giving Nigeria the lead they desperately sought. The goal not only secured three points but also reaffirmed Dele-Bashiru’s importance to the Super Eagles’ AFCON campaign.
With this victory, Nigeria sits comfortably at the top of their qualification group, with their sights firmly set on securing a place in AFCON 2024. The win over Libya will boost confidence, but the Super Eagles will need to improve their finishing and overall execution if they are to challenge for the title. As they prepare for the next round of qualifiers, fans will be hoping to see more of the same resilience and determination that led to Dele-Bashiru’s last-minute heroics in Uyo.
