Libya’s head coach, Nasser Al-Hadiri, has unveiled a 28-man squad for the crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against Nigeria.
The Mediterranean Knights, currently bottom of Group D, will need a strong performance in both matches to revive their qualification hopes. Key players called up include Ahmed Al-Masmari from Barcelona B, Al-Ittihad star, Abdul-Miser Abu Shaibab, and Mohammed Al-Tabbal from Al-Nasr.
Despite Libya’s struggles, Al-Hadiri has retained many regulars who have been pivotal to the team. The squad features a mix of home-based talents and foreign-based players, with Al-Masmari being one of the standout inclusions.
The 28-man roster also includes players from top Libyan clubs such as Al-Ahly Benghazi, Al-Hilal, and Al-Nasr.
Al-Hadiri, who recently took over after the dismissal of Milutin Sredojević “Micho,” has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to bounce back. He has appointed former international player Abu Bakr Al-Hark as assistant coach and former goalkeeper Misbah Shanqab as goalkeeping coach.
The first match of the double-header will take place on Friday, October 11, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria. Four days later, Libya will host the Super Eagles in Benina.
Nigeria currently tops Group D with four points, while Libya has secured just one point from their two matches. The Mediterranean Knights face a formidable challenge against the three-time African champions, and Al-Hadiri’s side will need to be at their best to overcome the Super Eagles.
Libya’s 28-Man Squad:
- Murad Al-Wahishi (Al-Ahly Benghazi)
- Abdul Jawad Rizq (Al-Nasr)
- Mohammed Ayyad (Abu Salim)
- Ahmed Ayyad (Al-Tahadi)
- Ali Youssef (Al-Afriqi Al-Tunisi)
- Ahmed Saleh (Al-Akhdar)
- Ahmed Al-Tarbi (Al-Ahly Tripoli)
- Magdy Mustafa Artiba (Al-Akhdar)
- Sobhi Al-Mabrouk Al-Dawi (Al-Ittihad)
- Mahdi Al-Kut (Al-Akhdar)
- Mohammed Al-Shtiwi (Al-Hilal)
- Sand Bin Ali (Al-Nasr)
- Al-Bahlol Abu Sahmain (Al-Ahly Benghazi)
- Badr Hassan (Al-Nasr)
- Suhaib Bin Suleiman (Al-Ahly Benghazi)
- Faisal Al-Badri (Al-Hilal)
- Muhannad Mustafa Al-Mabrouk (Al-Madina)
- Osama Al-Sharimi (Al-Suwaihli)
- Omar Al-Khoja (Al-Suwaihli)
- Nour Al-Din Al-Qalib (Al-Ahly Tripoli)
- Ahmed Saad (Al-Hilal)
- Mohammed Al-Tabbal (Al-Nasr)
- Fadel Salama (Al-Ahly Benghazi)
- Ahmed Al-Masmari (Barcelona B, Spain)
- Ezz El-Din Al-Mariami (Al-Hilal)
- Moaz Issa (Al-Ittihad)
- Ahmed Karaoua (Al-Ahly Tripoli)
- Abdul-Miser Abu Shaibab (Al-Ittihad)
