Eguavoen Targets Double Victory Over Libya To Secure AFCON 2025 Spot.
Nigeria’s head coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has set his sights on maximum points in the upcoming double-header AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Libya. The Super Eagles, currently leading Group D, will face the Mediterranean Knights on Friday evening at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, with the return fixture set for Tuesday night at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium, near Benghazi, Libya.
Eguavoen stressed the importance of securing six points from the two matches, which would all but guarantee Nigeria’s qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Morocco next year. “Our best and surest route to the finals will be to pick up the six points in the matches with Libya,” said Eguavoen, adding that avoiding anxiety in the final stages of qualification was key.
Though Nigeria will be without star striker Victor Osimhen, Eguavoen expressed confidence in the squad’s remaining forwards to deliver the necessary goals. The team has already accumulated four points from their first two matches, positioning them one point ahead of Benin Republic and two points clear of Rwanda.
The Super Eagles, who have been training in Uyo, received reinforcements with the arrivals of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Chidera Ejuke on Wednesday. The Nigerian squad aims to capitalise on their leadership position in Group D, while their competitors, Benin and Rwanda, are set to face each other, potentially neutralising each other’s chances.
The Libyan team arrived in Nigeria on Tuesday, preparing for what promises to be an intense match to be officiated by Malawian referee Godfrey Philip Nkhakananga, alongside assistant referees Clemence Kanduku and Joseph Nyauti. Tuesday’s return leg in Libya will be overseen by Cape Verdean referee Delgado Santos Rocha Lenine.
With everything to play for, Eguavoen remains optimistic: “There are possibilities and opportunities for us to sail home at the end of these two matches, and we will do our best to take our chances and have the ticket in hand before the final round of games.”
The fixtures will be crucial in determining Nigeria’s path to AFCON 2025, and fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome.
