The Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo will play host to a crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match between Nigeria and Libya on Friday evening. The Super Eagles, currently leading Group D with four points, are looking to cement their position at the top of the table and edge closer to securing qualification for the tournament in Morocco.
Nigeria’s campaign got off to a strong start with a convincing 3-0 victory over Benin Republic, followed by a resilient goalless draw away at Rwanda. These results have positioned them as the only team in the group yet to concede a goal, highlighting their defensive solidity. In contrast, Libya finds themselves at the bottom of Group D with just one point, desperately seeking their first win of the qualifying campaign to revive their hopes of ending a 12-year AFCON absence.
Historical Context and Team Form
The historical record heavily favors Nigeria in this matchup, with the Super Eagles having won all four previous encounters between the two nations. This includes two victories during the 2018 AFCON qualifiers, which will surely boost the confidence of the Nigerian squad and their supporters.
Nigeria’s recent form in AFCON qualifiers has been impressive, losing just one of their last 14 matches in this competition. The team will be eager to build on their runner-up finish in the last AFCON edition and prove their worth under the guidance of Augustine Eguavoen, who has retained his position as interim manager. Libya, on the other hand, are struggling to find their footing, having drawn 1-1 with Rwanda before suffering a 2-1 defeat to Benin in their opening qualifiers.
Nigeria Team News and Projected Lineups
Nigeria will have to navigate this crucial fixture without the services of Galatasaray’s new striker Victor Osimhen and Orlando Pirates defender Olisah Ndah. However, the return of Sevilla’s Chidera Ejuke after a lengthy absence and the recovery of Bright-Osayi Samuel from injury provide a silver lining for the Super Eagles.
The host’s attack is expected to be spearheaded by Ademola Lookman, who comes into the match in fine form after netting a brace in Nigeria’s last home game against Benin. For Libya, the absence of key defenders Ahmed Al-Tarbi, Mohammed Al-Tabbal, and Ali Yousse due to injuries could prove costly. The Mediterranean Knights will likely rely on Ahmed Kraouaa to lead their attacking efforts, though he is yet to open his scoring account in the qualifiers.
Projected lineups:
- Nigeria: Nwabali; Ekong, Ajayi, Bassey; Aina, Ndidi, Onyedika, Onyemaechi; Lookman, Boniface, Chukwueze
- Libya: Al Wuhayshi; Elkouri, Yusuf, Erteiba, Al Mabrouk; Al Badri, Al Shreimy; Salama, Al Khoja, Al Gleib; Krawaa
Match Prediction and Implications
Given Nigeria’s strong record against Libya, their current form, and home advantage, the Super Eagles enter this match as clear favorites. The wealth of talent at their disposal, coupled with the tactical acumen of Augustine Eguavoen, should prove too much for a Libya side struggling for confidence and missing key players.
A victory for Nigeria would not only solidify their position atop Group D but also significantly boost their chances of early qualification for AFCON 2025. For Libya, even a draw would be seen as a positive result, potentially kickstarting their campaign and keeping alive their hopes of ending their AFCON drought. However, based on recent performances and team strengths, a comfortable win for Nigeria appears the most likely outcome in this crucial qualifier.
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