By On Friday evening, the Super Eagles of Nigeria clinched a vital 1-0 victory over Libya in their AFCON 2025 qualifier, courtesy of a late goal from substitute Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. The intense match, held in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, saw Dele-Bashiru emerge as the hero with an 86th-minute strike that secured the hard-earned win for Nigeria.
The midfielder, who was brought on as a substitute, made an immediate impact by breaking the deadlock after a tightly contested game. According to AfrikTimes Online, the Super Eagles will face Libya again in the return leg on Tuesday, October 15.
Throughout the match, Nigeria struggled to break through Libya’s resilient defense, which successfully absorbed repeated attacks. However, as the clock ticked down and frustration grew, the Eagles launched a swift counterattack, with the German-born Dele-Bashiru calmly finishing to ignite celebrations in the Uyo stadium.
This crucial win boosts Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for AFCON 2025, with Dele-Bashiru’s late-game heroics underlining his increasing importance to the team. Despite Libya’s determined resistance, Nigeria’s persistence paid off in the closing stages.
Earlier in the match, Samuel Chukwueze missed a clear chance in the 70th minute that could have put Nigeria ahead, while Ademola Lookman’s goal in the 83rd minute was ruled offside. AfrikTimes Online reports that Nigeria now tops Group D with seven points, followed closely by Rwanda, who have six points from three games. Benin beat Rwanda 3-0 on Friday, leaving Rwanda with two points and Libya at the bottom with one point.
In attack, Nigeria fielded Victor Boniface, Ademola Lookman, and Moses Simon in the absence of injured striker Victor Osimhen. Simon started in place of Chukwueze, while Stanley Nwabali, Ola Aina, William Troost-Ekong, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Calvin Bassey formed the defense. Coach Austin Eguavoen selected Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Alex Iwobi to control the midfield for the three-time African champions.
