Libya’s Mediterranean Knights are gearing up for a decisive battle against Nigeria in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, ready to face the challenge head-on.
The Libyan national team will arrive in Abuja on October 7, marking the start of their final preparations for the crucial showdown.
With the Akwa Ibom heat awaiting them, the team will travel to Uyo, where the match is set to take place at the iconic Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, a fortress for Nigerian football. The air in Uyo will be thick with anticipation as Libya’s hopes of turning the tide in their qualifying campaign rest on this two-legged affair against the Super Eagles.
Libya, still reeling from a home draw against Rwanda and an away defeat to Benin, enters the encounter with just one point from two games. But their resolve is undeterred. Under the guidance of head coach Nasser Al-Hadhiri, with tactical support from Tunisian assistant Akram Al-Hammami and Aboubaker Harak, the Libyan squad has been intensely refining their strategy and fitness, aiming to adapt to the Nigerian climate.
Training in Tripoli has been grueling, every session laced with the desire to claim a victory on Nigerian soil, a feat that would electrify their campaign. The Knights’ technical team reportedly leaves no stone unturned as they prepare to face the Super Eagles, who currently sit atop Group D with four points.
As Libya readies for its arrival in Uyo, memories of Nigeria’s 4-0 triumph in 2018 linger in the backdrop. In that match, Odion Ighalo’s clinical hat-trick and Samuel Kalu’s late strike crushed Libya’s hopes. Yet this time, with their backs against the wall, the Mediterranean Knights know that the stakes are higher, the battle tougher, and the pressure immense.
The clash on October 11th will set the stage for a thrilling return leg on October 15th in Benina, where both teams will fight to shape their AFCON futures.
