Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s 86th-minute strike from a Moses Simon cross secured all three points for Nigeria in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya, giving head coach Augustine Eguavoen his 15th win in charge of the Super Eagles over 25 matches.
Simon had been a constant threat throughout the game, relentlessly probing the Mediterranean Knights’ defense, who held firm in numbers and came close to snatching a point at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Victor Boniface, starting in place of the injured Victor Osimhen, struggled to find his first competitive goal for Nigeria. The Germany-based striker came up against an inspired performance from Libyan goalkeeper Murad Abu Bakr Alwuheeshi, who used every part of his body to make crucial saves while also frustrating the Eagles by running down the clock.
The Super Eagles should have taken the lead early when Alex Iwobi’s shot from the edge of the box was blocked by Suhib Shafshuf after a slick build-up involving Ademola Lookman in the 11th minute. Boniface, guilty of too many touches, squandered another chance in the 16th minute, while captain William Troost-Ekong blasted over from close range in the 28th minute, as Libya continued to ride their luck.
Nigeria kept the pressure on, with Simon darting past three defenders in the 37th minute, only to see his effort blocked. Moments later, Iwobi’s follow-up shot was expertly denied.
The second half saw more frustration for the Eagles. Iwobi missed with a header from a Simon cross in the 56th minute and skied a volley just three minutes later. Despite the continued pressure, it looked like Nigeria might settle for a point.
Substitute Samuel Chukwueze almost broke the deadlock in the 71st minute but was again denied by the outstanding Abu Bakr Alwuheeshi. However, the Libyan goalkeeper had no answer when Dele-Bashiru lashed a low shot past him after a precise cross from Simon, sealing the victory for Nigeria.
With the win, Nigeria remains at the top of their group, a point ahead of Benin Republic, who comfortably beat Rwanda 3-0 in their own Matchday 3 fixture.
Victory for the Super Eagles in their next game against Libya in Benina on Tuesday night will virtually guarantee a spot in the 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco. Benin can also qualify if they overcome Rwanda in their return leg in Kigali.
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