By Nurudeen Obalola
The Super Eagles secured a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Libya in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo on Friday.
The visiting Mediterranean Knights frustrated the three-time African champions for 87 minutes until substitute Fisayo Dele-Bashiru popped up with the backbreaking goal.
The Lazio midfielder, who replaced Alex Iwobi on 73 minutes, latched on to a low cross from Simon Moses to find the back of the net, sending the tense Godswill Akpabio Stadium into loud cheering.
The Libyans had sought out to limit the Super Eagles with their ultra-defensive tactics, and were largely successful until Dele-Bashiru’s late intervention.
With Victor Boniface starting in place of the injured Victor Osimhen, flanked by Ademola Lookman and Simon, Nigeria started brightly and looked set to ease past the North Africans.
However, once Libya settled into their shape, the Super Eagles struggled to break them down, and head coach Austin Eguavoen was forced into second-half changes.
Apart from Dele-Bashiru, Samuel Chukwueze, Raphael Onyedika and Taiwo Awoniyi were all brought on as the desperate Super Eagles sought a way past the frustrating visitors, who were eating up time by going down and staying down at the slightest contact.
Shortly before Dele-Bashiru scored, Lookman had the ball in the net but the flag was raised for offside, although replays showed that the Atalanta forward was onside.
With the victory, the Super Eagles have kept their spot at the top of their qualifying group table with seven points from three matches.
Benin Republic remain second, one point behind, after a 3-0 win over Rwanda in Cote d’Ivoire also on Friday.
Rwanda are third with two points, while Libya are bottom with one.
The Super Eagles and Libya meet again on Tuesday, this time in Benghazi, the same day Rwanda welcome Benin Republic.
