Libya announces 28-man squad for AFCON qualifiers against Nigeria
The Libyan Football Federation has revealed the Mediterranean Knights’ 28-man squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Nigeria.
The Mediterranean Knights are set to face the Super Eagles in back-to-back games, with the first leg scheduled for October 11 in Nigeria and the return leg on October 15 in Libya.
After a poor start to their AFCON qualification campaign, Libya finds itself in a challenging position at the bottom of Group D, with just one point from three matches. This led to the sacking of Serbian manager Micho and the appointment of Nasser Al-Hadiri as the new head coach ahead of the crucial encounters with Nigeria.
Al-Hadiri’s selection includes a mix of experienced players and promising young talents, as Libya aims to rejuvenate their campaign. Among the notable inclusions is 18-year-old Barcelona youth team striker Ahmed Elmsmari. Though yet to make his first-team debut for the Spanish giants, Elmsmari has shown great potential, having previously played for the youth teams of Atlético Madrid and Rayo Vallecano. He was a non-playing substitute in Libya’s 2-1 loss to Benin last month but will be hoping to make his mark in these key fixtures.
Libya’s task is daunting as they sit three points behind table-toppers Nigeria, and with the Super Eagles boasting a strong squad, the Mediterranean Knights will need a determined effort to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Libya’s 28-Man Squad for AFCON Qualifiers Against Nigeria:
- Goalkeepers: Murad Al-Wuheeshi (Al-Ahly Benghazi), Abdul Jawad Rizq (Al-Nasr)
- Defenders: Mohammed Ayyad (Abu Salim), Ahmed Ayyad (Al-Tahadi), Ali Youssef (Al-Afriqi Al-Tunisi), Ahmed Saleh (Al-Akhdar), Ahmed Al-Tarbi (Al-Ahly Tripoli), Magdy Mustafa Artiba (Al-Akhdar), Sobhi Al-Mabrouk Al-Dawi (Al-Ittihad), Mahdi Al-Kut (Al-Akhdar), Mohammed Al-Shtiwi (Al-Hilal)
- Midfielders: Sand Bin Ali (Al-Nasr), Al-Bahlol Abu Sahmain (Al-Ahly Benghazi), Badr Hassan (Al-Nasr), Suhaib Bin Suleiman (Al-Ahly Benghazi), Faisal Al-Badri (Al-Hilal), Muhannad Mustafa Al-Mabrouk (Al-Madina), Osama Al-Sharimi (Al-Suwaihli), Omar Al-Khoja (Al-Suwaihli)
- Forwards: Nour Al-Din Al-Qalib (Al-Ahly Tripoli), Ahmed Saad (Al-Hilal), Mohammed Al-Tabbal (Al-Nasr), Fadel Salama (Al-Ahly Benghazi), Ahmed Elmsmari (Barcelona B, Spain), Ezz El-Din Al-Mariami (Al-Hilal), Moaz Issa (Al-Ittihad), Ahmed Karaoua (Al-Ahly Tripoli), Abdul-Miser Abu Shaiba (Al-Ittihad)
With Nasser Al-Hadiri now at the helm, the Mediterranean Knights will look to bounce back and secure positive results in these two pivotal matches against Nigeria.
