The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Libya on matchday three of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday evening.
Interim Head coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Austin Eguavoen made tactical changes to the team’s formation from 3-4-3 to 4-3-3 and tweaking the starting lineup. Semi Ajayi was benched due to the formation change, while Frank Onyedika earned his first start of the qualifiers. Alex Iwobi replaced Fisayo Dele-Bashiru in midfield, and Moses Simon came in for Samuel Chukwueze.
Libya’s Ahmed Ekrawa attempted an audacious long-range effort just 10 minutes in, but it missed the target by a wide margin. The Super Eagles of Nigeria quickly responded with Alex Iwobi forcing Libya’s goalkeeper, Murad Al Wuheeshi, into his first save of the match. Al Wuheeshi had to make another quick save just two minutes later to keep the scores level.
The home side’s appeal for a penalty was dismissed after Ademola Lookman was brought down in the box, and moments later, the Atalanta player missed a chance to break the deadlock. In the 27th minute, Troost-Ekong squandered an opportunity from a rebound after Onyeka’s shot was parried by Al Wuheeshi.
As the game progressed, Moses Simon’s skillful flick past his marker led to a shot on goal in the 36th minute, but Al Wuheeshi once again came to Libya’s rescue. The goalkeeper continued his impressive performance, making a crucial save from Iwobi’s shot just before halftime. Shortly after the break, Iwobi found himself with two more chances, but he was unable to capitalize.
Libya’s keeper continued to frustrate the Super Eagles, denying both Samuel Chukwueze and Iwobi. In the 70th minute, Chukwueze found himself in a promising position, but Al Wuheeshi once again kept him at bay.
Lookman thought he had finally broken the deadlock six minutes before the end, only for his goal to be ruled out for offside.
In the 86th minute, substitute, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru scored the winning goal as he calmly scored from a Moses Simon pass to secure a crucial victory for the Super Eagles.
