National Teams
2025 AFCONQ: Nigeria 1-0 Libya: Bashiru’s strike silences Mediterranean Knights
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Nigeria’s senior men’s national team strengthened their position at the top of Group D in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Libya on Friday.
Fisayo Dele Bashiru’s late goal in the second half sealed the win for the Super Eagles at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Coach Augustine Eguavoen named a strong starting XI that included Stanley Nwabali, Ola Aina, Wilfred Ndidi, William Troost-Ekong, Ademola Lookman, Frank Onyeka, Bruno Onyemaechi, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Victor Boniface.
Libya’s Mediterranean Knights were led by goalkeeper Murad Abi Bakr Al Wuheesh, with Mohammed Alshiteewi, Subhi Aldhawi, Ali Yousuf Al Musrati, Suhib Shafshuf, Nouradin Elhelaib, Ahmed Ekrawa, Muhanad Mustafa Almanrouk Madeen, Sanad Bin Ali, Bader Hasan Ahmed, and Makdi Mustafa forming their starting lineup.
The Super Eagles dominated possession throughout the match, while Libya adopted a more defensive approach. Al Wuheesh kept his side in the game with a number of crucial saves, though he also engaged in time-wasting tactics that saw him pick up a yellow card in the second half.
Lookman thought he had given Nigeria the lead with a well-taken strike, but his goal was disallowed for offside.
With just four minutes remaining, substitute Fisayo Dele Bashiru broke the deadlock, scoring the decisive goal following a brilliant assist from Moses Simon.
The victory sees the 1980 AFCON champions top Group D with seven points from three games, as they prepare for the return leg against Libya in Benina.
