The Super Eagles are set to take a significant step towards qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations when they take on the Libyan Mediterranean Knights in a crucial Group D encounter on Friday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Nigeria, led by interim coach Augustine Eguavoen, have made a good start to the qualifiers, recording a win over Benin Republic and a draw against Rwanda.
With four points from two games, the three-time African champions sit at the top of the group standings.
Libya, on the other hand, has struggled, drawing against Rwanda and losing to Benin.
The Knights of the Mediterranean will try to revive their campaign against Nigeria.
Eguavoen, speaking to journalists in Uyo, highlighted the importance of securing six points in the double header against Libya.
“Our best and safest path to the final phase will be to score six points in these games and have a guaranteed place in Morocco even before the fifth round,” he stated.
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“We don't want to have any anxiety in the run-up to this qualifying campaign.” the coach added.
Face to face
The Super Eagles have a stellar record against Libya, winning their previous four meetings, scoring nine goals and conceding just two.
In their last eight AFCON qualifying matches, Nigeria recorded six wins, one draw and one loss – a 1-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau in March 2023.
Key players
Ademola Lookman
Nigerian Ademola Lookman, recently nominated for the Ballon d'Or, will be a key player to watch.
Lookman was Nigeria's joint top scorer at AFCON 2023 with three goals and has eight goals and four assists in 25 games for the Super Eagles.
Victor Boniface, who is in good form this season with six goals and one assist in nine games, will also be crucial.
The Bayern Leverkusen striker told Football Fans Tribe that he and his teammates will be looking for the best possible result against the North African visitors.
He said: “We will do everything we can to make a country like Nigeria proud, get three points and try to qualify for the next African Cup of Nations.
“We know how important the last game was for Nigeria in general, the support and everything, so we will do everything we can to get the victory.”
William Troost-Ekong, the Most Valuable Player of the last AFCON, will once again lead the Super Eagles, bringing experience and stability to the defence.
Eguavoen acknowledged the absence of Victor Osimhen but expressed confidence in his available forwards to get the necessary goals.
“I admit that we will miss Victor (Osimhen), but I believe in the other forwards available to get us the goals that will give us the three points in Uyo and the three points in Libya.” Said.
For Libya, Ahmed Kraouaa, Omar Al-Khoja and Faisal Al-Badri will lead the charge for the Knights of the Mediterranean.
Kraouaa has recorded four goals and one assist in 10 games, while Al-Khoja has scored three goals in 25 international matches.
Al-Badri, with eight goals in 38 games, will provide creativity in the midfield.
Friday's match will be officiated by Malawian referee Godfrey Philip Nkhakananga, assisted by his compatriots Clemence Kanduku and Joseph Nyauti, and Botswana Keabetswe Dintwa as fourth official.
how to watch
Friday's matchday three match begins at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo at 5:00 p.m.
While PREMIUM TIMES will provide live updates, Nigerian fans can also watch the action LIVE on Afrosport TV member stations, NTA, AIT, Afia TV, Wazobia Max, Silverbird and BON, or stream for free on the PREMIUM TIMES page. Afrosport TV Facebook and VIDIVU online portal. .
The second leg is scheduled for Tuesday night at the Benina Martyrs Stadium in Benina, 19 kilometers from Benghazi, Libya's second city.
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A victory for Nigeria would put them in a dominant position, which could take them to 10 points, while Benin Republic and Rwanda would have to fight for second place.
With Nigeria's strong team and momentum, the Super Eagles are well positioned to take a significant step towards qualification for AFCON 2025.