By Kayode John
Former Super Eagles defender, Ifeanyi Udeze, has said the team should focus on securing the three points in their next 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya, rather than the venue of the game.
Libya hosted Rwanda in their first game of the qualifying campaign at their iconic 11th June Stadium—their main venue for FIFA World Cup and African Nations Cup qualifying matches, capable of sitting 45,000 spectators.
The North Africans have, however, selected the Martyrs of February Stadium — a 10,000 artificial turf facility in Benina — for the return leg of their back-to-back clash with Nigeria next month. The Eagles will host The Mediterranean Knights in Uyo on October 11, before the game in Libya four days later.
But Udeze, who won 35 caps for Nigeria and currently works as a pundit, spoke to Sporting Times on Tuesday about the development. He expressed confidence that the nature of the pitch will not affect the Super Eagles.
“Yes, Libya have fixed our game for an artificial pitch but for me, that has nothing on us. Our own is just to go there and do our thing, try to get our win,” the former left-back said.
“So for me, I do not see that as a problem. We should just go there give out best, as long as CAF okays the pitch, it means the pitch is fit enough to host the game.
“We shouldn’t worry about that, all we need to do is just to go there and see how we will get a win or draw and the rest will be history.”
Why Libya have picked an astroturf for the game is not yet known.
Though it will not be the first time the Eagles would play a qualifying game in other countries on an artificial turf, Europe-based players are said to be cautious of the surface because of the vulnerability to injuries.
