Libya sees Osimhen and Ndah Injuries as advantage ahead of AFCON qualifiers
Libya is reportedly optimistic about their chances in the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group D qualifiers against Nigeria, scheduled for October 11 and 15, following injuries to Nigerian stars Victor Osimhen and Olisa Ndah.
Several sources indicate that Libyan fans and analysts believe the absence of both players could boost their team’s prospects of securing a favorable result, helping to revive their hopes of qualifying for the tournament in Morocco next year.
Libyan news outlet Libya News 24 highlighted this view in a Friday report, stating, “Osimhen’s absence presents a golden opportunity to shift the balance of power in our favor.” The report added that if the Libyan technical team can capitalize on this, it could be a key moment to rebuild confidence and strengthen their chances of advancing.
Alongside Osimhen, Orlando Pirates defender Olisa Ndah will also be missing due to injury. Ndah, who played a crucial role in Nigeria’s last match against Benin, helping keep a clean sheet, is regarded as a vital part of the Super Eagles’ defense. His absence, the Libyan outlet suggested, creates a defensive vulnerability that the Mediterranean Knights could exploit to increase pressure on Nigeria’s weakened backline.
Meanwhile, Al Wasat Gate reported that the Libyan government, through its Ministry of Sports, is making extensive preparations for the matches. The Ministry has arranged for the team’s transportation to Uyo, Nigeria, via a private jet and is covering the costs of their training camp in Tripoli.
“The Ministry of Sports has confirmed it will cover the expenses of the Libyan national team’s travel by private plane to Nigeria for the AFCON qualifiers, as well as the costs of their camp in Tripoli and accommodations for the second leg in Benghazi,” the outlet reported on Friday.
According to Libya Al-Ahrar Channel, the Libyan squad, known as the Mediterranean Knights, is set to depart for Nigeria from Tripoli on Sunday. They have been holding daily training sessions in the capital in preparation for the first leg at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
New head coach Nasser Al-Hadhiri, alongside his assistants Akram Al-Hammami and Abu Bakr Al-Hark, has called up three replacements for key absentees: defender Mohammed Khalil from Al-Tahadi, midfielder Abdullah Abdul Rahim from Al-Nasr, and winger Faraj Ghaidhan from Al-Akhdar.
While Libya has been in camp since Monday, Nigeria is yet to release its squad list or call players to camp for the double-header.
Heading into the crucial encounters, Nigeria tops Group D with four points after a win against Benin Republic and a draw against Rwanda in Kigali. In contrast, Libya sits at the bottom of the group with just one point, following a 1-1 draw with Rwanda and a 2-1 loss to Benin Republic in Ivory Coast.
Elsewhere in Group D, Benin and Rwanda, with three and two points respectively, will also clash in a double-header on October 11 and 15, with matches taking place at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan and Stade Amahoro in Kigali.
