Super Eagles Prepare for Crucial AFCON Qualifier Against Libya

All 23 players invited to the Nigerian national football team, known as the Super Eagles, have arrived in Uyo to prepare for their crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Libya. The match is scheduled to take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in the capital of Akwa State, reports PUNCH Sports Extra.

The final arrivals on Wednesday morning, Kelechi Iheanacho and Chidera Ejuke, joined the rest, completing the squad ahead of the match. Earlier, players including Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, Ademola Lookman, Calvin Bassey, and Moses Simon had arrived, bringing the initial number to 19, plus those who arrived earlier.

Nigeria’s interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has the full roster available to secure a victory against the Libyan side, known as the Mediterranean Knights. This match is crucial for Nigeria to continue leading Group D, which also includes Benin Republic and Rwanda.

Libya is entering the match in a challenging position, with several key players unavailable due to injuries or other reasons. Under their new coach, Nasser Al-Hadhiri, Libya remains at the bottom of Group D, making this fixture crucial for their hopes of qualification.

Al-Hadhiri, speaking at a press conference, acknowledged the difficulty of facing the Nigerian team but expressed hope for a positive outcome, aiming for a draw to revitalize their qualification chances. “We realize that winning against Nigeria is difficult, but we seek to return with a draw that will be positive for us,” Al-Hadhiri stated.

Nigerian interim coach Augustine Eguavoen remains confident in his team’s ability to secure maximum points, even without star striker Victor Osimhen. He emphasized that other forwards, such as Victor Boniface and Taiwo Awoniyi, are prepared to rise to the challenge.

The return leg of the match is scheduled for October 15 at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Benghazi. Libya will hope to leverage their home ground advantage and support from local fans to boost their position in the qualifying rounds.

Eguavoen stated that the team will not underestimate their opponents, emphasizing the importance of not allowing Libya to regain form. “They are down, but it doesn’t mean that they can’t rise because they have a couple of games to play,” he remarked.