All 23 players invited to the Super Eagles camp for the 2025 AFCON qualifying match against Libya have now arrived in Uyo, ahead of Friday’s crucial game at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Akwa Ibom State.
Kelechi Iheanacho and Chidera Ejuke of Sevilla joined the squad on Wednesday morning, completing the lineup following the team’s initial training session on Tuesday evening.
Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye from Udinese, along with Ademola Lookman, Calvin Bassey, and Moses Simon, were among the earlier arrivals on Tuesday, bringing the total number of players in camp to 19 before the final arrivals.
With a full squad at his disposal, interim coach Augustine Eguavoen aims to secure maximum points against the Mediterranean Knights, strengthening Nigeria’s lead in Group D, which includes Benin Republic and Rwanda.
Libya, on the other hand, faces significant challenges, with several key players injured or declining call-ups to the national team. Despite being at the bottom of the group standings, the team remains dangerous under their new coach, Nasser Al-Hadhiri, who is targeting a draw to keep their qualification hopes alive for the finals in Morocco next year.
At a press conference, Al-Hadhiri expressed cautious optimism despite the uphill task ahead, saying, “We know that winning against Nigeria is difficult, but securing a draw could be a positive result to reignite our chances of qualifying.”
Adding to Libya’s woes, local media outlet Akhbarlibya24 reported that three players from Al-Ahly Tripoli—Hamdou El-Houni, Sand Al-Warfali, and Mohamed Al-Munir—have opted out of the national team, increasing the pressure on Al-Hadhiri.
Despite these setbacks, the Libyan team remains focused on the upcoming fixtures, hoping to revive their campaign with strong performances. They will face Nigeria again on October 15 at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Benghazi, aiming to leverage home advantage and their passionate supporters.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s coach, Augustine Eguavoen, remains confident in his team’s chances, even without star striker Victor Osimhen. He believes that other forwards, like Victor Boniface and Taiwo Awoniyi, will step up in Osimhen’s absence.
“The players are fully prepared to secure those three points,” Eguavoen stated. “We understand the importance of getting the job done as quickly as possible.”
Eguavoen also cautioned against underestimating Libya, acknowledging that despite their struggles, they remain a capable team. “They might be down now, but they have the potential to turn things around. We expect them to fight, and we’ll be ready to match their intensity,” he concluded.
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