The Super Eagles of Nigeria survived a scare from the Mediterranean Knights of Libya before eventually securing a 1-0 win in Group D of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series in Uyo on Friday evening.
The Libyans proved a hard nut to crack especially with their goalkeeper, Murad Abu Bakr Al Wuheesi who was in his best elements and made several saves.
Time after time, he frustrated many goal-scoring opportunities that were opened to the Super Eagles.
Also the Super Eagles missed many scoring chances that got the spectators edgy and Coach Austin Eguavoen frustrated. The first scoring opportunity was in the 10th minute when a rebound found Alex Iwobi, but his shot was smothered by the Libyan goalkeeper.
Six minutes later, it was Victor Boniface’s turn to squander another goal opportunity. Next was the skipper, William Troost-Ekong getting another rebound, but he shot wide.
With the clock ticking and the Benin Republic in a simultaneous duel with Rwanda coasting comfortably home with a 3-0 defeat of Rwanda, the Super Eagles had to do everything to score against Libya.
At that point, Benin are taken over the leadership of Group D having amassed six points as against Nigeria’s five in a live table as the matches were on, desperation set in.
In the 83rd minute, Ademola Lookman found the net, but his effort was ruled offside. Four minutes later, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru connected a cross from Moses Simon to shoot Nigeria back into the top of Group D.
Dele-Bashiru was the one who helped Nigeria salvage a point in their World Cup qualifying duel with South Africa in Uyo last June.
Nigeria now travel to Libya to face Libya in a
