An 86th minute goal by substitute Fisayo Dele-Bashiru off a cross from Moses Simon handed the Super Eagles all three points against Libya’s Mediterranean Knights in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Friday evening.
The lone goal also gave coach Augustine Eguavoen his 15th victory in charge of Nigeria (across different spells in over 25 matches).
It also ensured that the Super Eagles stay atop Group D, one point ahead of Benin Republic’s Cheetahs who thrashed Rwanda’s Amavubi 3-0 in another Matchday 3 encounter.
In the absence of Victor Osimhen, Germany-based striker Victor Boniface failed to reproduce his recent club form for the national team and find his first goal in competitive match for Nigeria, as Libya’s goalkeeper Murad Abu Bakr Alwuheeshi produced a fantastic performance to keep the Eagles at bay.
Alex Iwobi could have put Nigeria ahead after 11minutes but his shot from the edge of the box after a raid by Ademola Lookman was charged down by Suhib Shafshuf. Boniface was thwarted in the 16th minute after being guilty of too many touches, and captain William Ekong heaved over the sticks from four yards in the 28th minute as the visitors continued to live dangerously.
The Super Eagles kept their feet on the pedal and Simon darted past three defenders in the 37th minute only to see his shot blocked, as Iwobi’s effort was cleverly foiled two minutes later.
In the second half, Iwobi missed with a header from another Simon cross in the 56th minute, and put too much purchase on his volley three minutes later.
In the 71st minute, substitute Samuel Chukwueze was foiled by the brilliant Abu Bakr Alwuheeshi, but the goalkeeper had no answer when Italy-based Dele-Bashiru lashed onto a good cross by Simon to score.
A double header victory for the Eagles in Benina on Tuesday night will virtually seal a ticket to the 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, with the Cheetahs also to join if they defeat Rwanda in their own return in Kigali.