The Super Eagles are gearing up for a crucial doubleheader in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Libya’s Mediterranean Knights.
The first leg is scheduled for Friday evening at Uyo’s Godswill Akpabio Stadium, followed by the return leg in Benghazi on October 15.
Interim Nigeria coach Augustine Eguavoen will be without star striker Victor Osimhen, who has been ruled out of the 23-man squad due to fitness concerns.
Eguavoen’s Attacking Options Without Osimhen
Despite Osimhen’s absence, Eguavoen has called up three capable center forwards—Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface, and Taiwo Awoniyi—for the October internationals.
The Libya head coach, Nasser Al-Hadhiri, already conceded the difficulty of matching Nigeria in Uyo, as reported earlier by Sportsbuddy.
However, Al-Hadhiri is hopeful that his team can capitalize on opportunities in the second leg in Libya.
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Libya Coach Downplays Osimhen’s Absence
Ahead of the match, Al-Hadhiri downplayed the significance of Osimhen’s absence, highlighting Nigeria’s depth.
“The Nigerian national team is not depending on one player; the whole team is strong,” he said.
He also praised Ballon d’Or nominee Ademola Lookman, who has become a key player for the Super Eagles, contributing seven goal involvements in his last thirteen appearances.
As quoted by allnigeriasoccer, the Mediterranean Knights manager admitted saying, “They have a lot of players like Atalanta’s Lookman and others. The whole team is world-class, so the absence of Victor Osimhen alone does not make any difference.
Nigeria On the Verge of AFCON Qualification
Victory in both matches against Libya would all but guarantee Nigeria’s qualification for the 2025 AFCON.
The Super Eagles, led by Eguavoen, are eager to maintain their momentum and secure their place in the continental tournament.
