Nigeria Super Eagles moved closer to another Africa Cup of Nations qualification following a narrow 1-0 win over Libya on Friday, www.aclsports.com reports.
Substitute Fisayo Dele-Bashiru scored the game’s only goal as Nigeria secured a late win over the Mediterranean Knights in their third Group D 2025 AFCONQ game in Uyo.
Having started the qualification series on a strong note with a win and a draw back in September, Austin Eguavoen’s came into this clash knowing fully well that win would take them closer to Morocco and they somehow found a way past the dogged Libyans at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Friday night.
Eguavoen made changes to team once again and opted to start with a back four for the first time in his fourth stint. Semi Ajayi dropped to the bench alongside Samuel Chukwueze, while Franck Onyeka and Moses Simon are given a starting shirt. In the absence of Victor Osimhen again, Victor Boniface was given the nod in attack once again.
Nigeria saw more of the ball possession, but there was a lack of real action in the first half of the encounter. Onyeka tested the Libyan goalie from a clearance midway through the game, as skipper William Troost-Ekong failed to direct his follow-up attempt on goal.
Bar that chance, the Libyan defenders were resolute and did just enough to keep Boniface and co at bay at the Nest of Champions.
In the second half, the Super Eagles upped the ante as they pushed for the game’s opening goal. Iwobi had the chance to find the net in the 56th minute, but the midfielder could not direct his header on goal from a Bruno Onyemachi’s cross. Moments later, the former Arsenal man then fired Ademola Lookman’s knockdown high and wide of the post.
With the game still delicately poised, Eguavoen introduced Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika and Taiwo Awoniyi in place of Boniface, Wilfred Ndidi and Iwobi.
In the 83rd minute, Lookman and Chukwueze combined beautifully in the box before the former struck the ball past the goalkeeper, but the whistle had gone for offside inaccurately.
However, the breakthrough eventually came for the Super Eagles three minutes later. Dele-Bashiru did well to direct Simon’s cross home to secure all three points for the former AFCON winners.
With the win, Nigeria remained top of their group with seven points from three matches — one point ahead of second-placed Benin Republic – who defeated Rwanda 3-0 in the other group game.
Nigeria will now travel to Libya for the second leg on Tuesday and a win there would ensure the Eagles’ early qualification for the AFCON in Morocco next year.
