Super Eagles look to complete ‘double’ over Libya

Nigeria will look to complete a ‘double’ over Libya when the teams meet in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier on Tuesday 15 October.

The fixture is slated for the Martyrs of February Stadium in Benghazi, with kick-off at 9pm CAT.

Nigeria narrowly defeated the North Africans 1-0 on Friday in Uyo, with substitute Fisayo Dele-Bashiru scoring the only goal of the game in the 86th minute.

The result saw the Super Eagles remain one-point clear of nearest chasers Benin (who defeated Rwanda 3-0 on the same day) at the top of Group D – and likely needing just one more win to guarantee a top-two finish and a place at Morocco 2025.

Nigeria coach Augustine Eguavoen was not impressed by Libya’s time-wasting tactics in the match in Uyo, even going as far as to say that the Mediterranean Knights “over-respected” the hosts.

“I think the Libyans used delay tactics because we have out time keepers in the name of Thomas and Boborise. They wasted 14 to 15 minutes out of the 45 minutes, which is not so good,” Eguavoen explained.

“They are a good side, you could see that they could move the ball if they wanted to move the ball. But trying to bring in such strategies is a good thing, they should just play normally.

“When we scored the late goal, they came out. Maybe they over-respected us thinking if they came out, we were going to score a lot of goals.”

Eguavoen expects a challenging return clash, and has been coy as to whether he will change hand Dele-Bashiru a start for the match in Benghazi.

“I can't confirm if he will be in the starting line-up for the return leg," said the Super Eagles coach.

"We first need to assess how the players respond to the medical team and physio. What I can assure you is that every member of this team is more than capable of starting a match.”

Libya coach Nasser Al-Hadhirinew has admitted to the strength and talent of the West African heavyweights – though it may be a motivating tactic as they seek revenge on home soil and look to boost their prospects of a return to the Afcon finals for the first time since 2012.

“Nigeria is a team that is sure of qualifying for the Nations Cup. No other African team is close to Nigeria,” said Al-Hadhirinew.

In head-to-head stats, Libya and Nigeria have met in six matches dating back as far as 2004. The Super Eagles have claimed five wins compared to one for the Mediterranean Knights.