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The Super Eagles are set to take a significant step towards qualifying for the 2025 African Cup of Nations on Friday when they take on Libya’s Mediterranean Knights in a crucial Group D clash at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. .
Nigeria, led by interim coach Augustin Eguavoen, got off to a strong start in qualifying with a win over Benin Republic and a draw against Rwanda.
The three-time African champions sit top of the group standings with four points from two games.
Meanwhile, Libya is struggling, drawing with Rwanda and losing to Benin.
The Mediterranean Knights aim to make a comeback against Nigeria.
Speaking to reporters in Uyo, Eguabon stressed the importance of securing six points in the double-header against Libya.
“The best and surest route to the final is to get six points from this match and to some extent guarantee a place in Morocco even before matchday five,” he said.
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“I don’t want to feel anxious during the run-in of this qualifying campaign,” the coach added.
direct confrontation
The Super Eagles have a stellar record against Libya, winning all four of their previous meetings, scoring nine goals and conceding just two.
In their last eight AFCON qualifiers, Nigeria have recorded six wins, one draw and one loss, including a 1-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau in March 2023.
major players
Ademola Lookman
Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman, who was recently nominated for the Ballon d’Or, will be a key player to watch.
Lookman scored three goals at AFCON 2023 to become Nigeria’s top scorer, with eight goals and four assists in 25 appearances for Nigeria. super eagles.
Victor Boniface, who has been in great form with six goals and one assist in nine games this season, will also be an important player.
The Bayern Leverkusen forward told Football Fan Tribe that he and his teammates will aim for the best possible result against the visiting North African side.
“We will do our best to make a country like Nigeria proud, get the three points and qualify for the next African Cup of Nations,” he said.
“We know how important the last match was for the whole of Nigeria, the support and everything else, so we will do our best to get the win.”
William Troost-Ekong, who was named Player of the Year at the last AFCON, will once again lead the Super Eagles, bringing experience and stability to the backline.
Eguavoen acknowledged the absence of Victor Osimhen, but expressed confidence in the striker who can secure the needed goals.
“I accept that Victor (Osimhen) will be gone, but I believe in the other strikers who will score the goals that will give us the three points against Uyo and the three points against Libya,” he said.
In the case of Libya, Ahmed Klaour, Omar al-Khoja and Faisal al-Badri will lead the charge of the Mediterranean Knights.
Krauer has four goals and one assist in 10 games, while Al Khoja has three goals in 25 games.
Al Badri, who has scored eight goals in 38 games, will provide creativity in midfield.
Friday’s match will be refereed by Malawian referee Godfrey Philippe Nkananga, with compatriots Clemence Kanduku and Joseph Nyauti serving as assistant referees and Botswanan Keabetswe Dintwa as fourth official.
How to watch
Matchday three on Friday will kick off at 5pm at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
While PREMIUM TIMES provides live updates, fans in Nigeria can watch live coverage on Afrosport TV, NTA, AIT, Afia TV, Wazobia Max, Silverbird, BON member stations, Afrosport TV’s Facebook page and VIDIVU online portal You can also stream it for free at. .
Return fares will be charged on Tuesday night for the Benina Martyrs Stadium in Benina, 19 kilometers from Benghazi, Libya’s second-largest city.
Related article: Nigerian journalist feared dead, others abducted ahead of AFCON qualifiers
If Nigeria wins, they could take the lead and increase their points to 10 points, leaving Benin Republic and Rwanda in a battle for second place.
With Nigeria’s strong team and momentum, the Super Eagles are well placed to take a significant step towards qualifying for AFCON 2025.
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