Nigeria will host Libya in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday evening.
The Super Eagles are looking to build on their unbeaten start to the qualifiers, while Libya is still searching for their first win.
Nigeria began their campaign with a solid 3-0 victory over Benin Republic and followed that up with a goalless draw against Rwanda. Currently, they sit atop Group D with four points and are the only team in the group yet to concede a goal. A win in both matches against Libya would help them secure their qualification.
This match marks the fifth encounter between Nigeria and Libya, with the Super Eagles having won all four previous meetings, including two in the 2018 AFCON qualifiers.
Augustine Eguavoen, who is leading the team on an interim basis, has been tasked with guiding Nigeria to the 2025 AFCON in Morocco. After finishing as runners-up in the last tournament, Nigeria has lost only one of their last 14 AFCON qualifying matches—a streak they hope to extend on Saturday.
On the other hand, Libya started their qualifiers with a 1-1 draw against Rwanda and then suffered a 2-1 loss to Benin. They took an early lead in the latter match with a penalty from Faisal Al Badri, but conceded two goals in quick succession in the second half, costing them the match.
Head coach Milutin Sredojevic will be hoping to secure crucial points against Nigeria as they aim to break a 12-year absence from the AFCON. Libya last participated in the tournament in 2012 and currently sits at the bottom of Group D with just one point, so they need to turn things around quickly.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Nigeria will head into this match without Galatasaray's new striker Victor Osimhen and defender Olisah Ndah, who plays for Orlando Pirates in South Africa.
On a positive note, Sevilla’s Chidera Ejuke is making a return to the team after several years away, and Bright Osayi-Samuel is back after missing last month’s match due to injury.
Ademola Lookman will be a key player to watch for the Super Eagles, having scored two goals in their last home game against Benin.
Libya, meanwhile, will be missing defender Ahmed Al-Tarbi from Ahli Tripoli, along with Mohammed Al-Tabbal from Al-Nasr and Ali Yousse from African Club of Tunisia, all sidelined by injuries.
The Mediterranean Knights will look to Ahmed Kraouaa to lead their attack, although he has yet to find the net in the AFCON qualifiers.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Nigeria possible starting lineup:
Nwabali; Ekong, Ajayi, Bassey; Aina, Ndidi, Onyedika, Onyemaechi; Lookman, Boniface, Chukwueze
Libya possible starting lineup:
Al Wuhayshi; Elkouri, Yusuf, Erteiba, Al Mabrouk; Al Badri, Al Shreimy; Salama, Al Khoja, Al Gleib; Krawaa
EXPERT PREDICTION
Nigeria 3-0 Libya
Nigeria seems to be hitting their stride under interim manager Eguavoen, which is worrying news for many teams across Africa. The Super Eagles have plenty of talent in their squad, so we expect them to secure a win against a Libya team that’s struggling with confidence.
