Libya begins intense training camp ahead crucial AFCON qualifying doubleheader against Super Eagles

Andre Olasukanmi
4 Min Read

Libya, Nigeria’s opponents in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying doubleheader, have today officially opened their training camp in Tripoli as they intensify preparations for the crucial matches against the Super Eagles. 

The Mediterranean Knights who are currently sitting at the bottom of Group D with just one point from two games are looking to turn their campaign around. They earned a solitary point in a 1-1 draw against Rwanda in Tripoli but followed it up with a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Benin in Cote d’Ivoire.

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Libya begins intense training camp ahead crucial AFCON qualifying doubleheader against Super Eagles
Libyan players in action against Rwanda

Led by national coach Nasser Al-Hadhiri, with Tunisian Akram Al-Hammami and Aboubaker Harak serving as his assistants, the Libyan team is under pressure to make a strong comeback in their upcoming games. 

They will be facing a daunting task as they are scheduled to face Nigeria twice in a span of five days: the first leg will be held in Uyo, Nigeria, on October 11, and the return leg will be played in Tripoli on October 15.

Al-Hadhiri has already named a 23-man squad for these crucial encounters, consisting primarily of players from Libya’s domestic league, including notable talents from top clubs like Al-Ahly Benghazi, Al-Ahly Tripoli, and Al Hilal. These players have been called into early camp to ensure they are fully prepared for the physical and tactical demands of the two-legged tie against the Super Eagles.

Libya begins intense training camp ahead crucial AFCON qualifying doubleheader against Super Eagles
Libya players in action against Benin

For Libya, the stakes are high. A poor start to their qualifying campaign has left them in a precarious position, and they will need positive results against Nigeria to keep their AFCON hopes alive. 

On the other hand, the Super Eagles are in a much more comfortable position, sitting at the top of Group D after the first two rounds of games. They opened their campaign with a solid 3-0 victory over Benin in Uyo, followed by a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Rwanda in Kigali earlier this month. 

Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming doubleheader is yet to be announced, but expectations are high as the team looks to maintain its momentum in the qualifiers.

Libya begins intense training camp ahead crucial AFCON qualifying doubleheader against Super Eagles
Ademola Lookman in action for Nigeria against Benin… Photo: Victor Modo

Nigeria will once again be guided by Austin Eguavoen, the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) Technical Director, who is continuing in the role of interim head coach. Eguavoen, a former Super Eagles defender and veteran coach, has been tasked with leading the team while the NFF searches for a permanent head coach. 

Eguavoen will be assisted by Enugu Rangers head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu and Remo Stars head coach Daniel Ogunmodede, both of whom also served as assistants during Nigeria’s previous matches.

This will not be the first time Eguavoen has taken charge of the Super Eagles in an interim capacity. He led the team to the knockout stages of the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon before stepping aside. His experience and familiarity with the players will be crucial in ensuring the Super Eagles maintain their form heading into the doubleheader.

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