Can Libya stop the Super Eagles from flying high on Friday?

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face off against Libya in a crucial AFCON 2025 qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Friday, October 11, 2024.

With Nigeria leading their group after a win over Benin and a hard-fought draw away to Rwanda, a victory over Libya could give Augustine Eguavoen’s side a comfortable cushion at the top and edge them closer to AFCON qualification.

With a squad full of talent, the Super Eagles are heavily favoured to win this clash. Star names like Ademola Lookman, Wilfred Ndidi, and Victor Boniface will be expected to make the difference. However, the team will be without their top scorer, Victor Osimhen, due to injury, which places more pressure on the likes of Boniface to deliver the goals.

Libya, meanwhile, have endured a tough start to their campaign. A draw against Rwanda followed by a loss to Benin puts them in a challenging spot. Although they aren’t expected to pose a huge threat to Nigeria, the Mediterranean Knights could still pull off a surprise, much like they did against Cameroon last year.

Can Nigeria Handle the Fast-Paced Libyans?

Nsikakabasi Akpan of SportsRation highlights that, while Nigeria are favourites, they need to be cautious against Libya’s quick and agile players. “Nigeria have more quality, but Libya are a fast team, and we must be wary of their counterattacks,” Akpan stated. The Libyan side is known for their pace on the break, and they will be looking to catch Nigeria off guard with quick transitions. Nigeria’s defence, led by William Troost-Ekong, will need to be disciplined to avoid any slip-ups.

Super Eagles Must Capitalize on Chances

Another critical point raised by Akpan is Nigeria’s need to take their chances. “We have seen it before; when Nigeria fails to score early and then concedes first, the team struggles to find a way back,” Akpan warned. Indeed, the Super Eagles have sometimes found it difficult to recover after going behind, so they must be clinical in front of goal. With players like Lookman, Moses Simon, and Boniface in attack, Nigeria has the firepower, but converting those chances will be key.

Predicted Lineups:

Nigeria’s Probable XI:

• Goalkeeper: Nwabali
• Defenders: Ajayi, Troost-Ekong, Bassey
• Midfielders: Aina, Ndidi, Dele-Bashiru, Onyemaechi
• Forwards: Lookman, Boniface, Moses Simon

Libya’s Probable XI:

• Goalkeeper: Al Wohsehi
• Defenders: Ali, El Trbi, Arteeba, Al Dhawi
• Midfielders: Aliaddawi, Al Badri, Al Khouja, Shafshuf, Al-Qulaib
• Forward: Krawa’a

The Super Eagles will look to dominate possession and break down Libya’s defence, but they must be vigilant to avoid being caught on the counterattack. A win on Friday would bring them closer to securing their spot in AFCON 2025.

MY PREDICTION

Nigeria 3-1 Libya