Fisayo Dele-Bashiru emerged as the hero for Nigeria, coming off the bench to score a late winner as the Super Eagles secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Libya in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. Despite the narrow scoreline, the match offered several key insights into Nigeria’s performance and approach.
Eguavoen’s Tactical Evolution: A Bold Shift to 4-3-3
Interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen showcased his tactical adaptability by opting for a more aggressive 4-3-3 formation, a marked departure from the conservative setup used against Benin and Rwanda in previous fixtures. This change was a positive shift, considering Nigeria’s dominance over a Libyan team ranked 82 places lower on the FIFA rankings.
However, Eguavoen’s starting XI may raise questions. Despite the formation’s offensive intent, his decision to field both Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka in midfield left Nigeria lacking creativity going forward. With Libya adopting a defensive posture, more forward-thinking players like Raphael Onyedika and Dele-Bashiru—both of whom are better passers—could have been more effective in breaking down the Libyan defense.
Lookman Denied by a Controversial Offside Call
One of the game’s more controversial moments came in the 83rd minute when Nigeria thought they had taken the lead. Ademola Lookman combined brilliantly with Samuel Chukwueze before slotting the ball past the Libyan goalkeeper, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside.
Replays suggested that the Malawian referee’s decision was incorrect, as Lookman appeared to be onside. Unfortunately, in the absence of VAR, the mistake could not be rectified. If not for the late winner, this would have been the match’s major talking point.
Moses Simon Shines on the Wing
With Samuel Chukwueze relegated to the bench after a string of underwhelming performances, Moses Simon took full advantage of his starting opportunity. The FC Nantes winger was a constant thorn in Libya’s side, dribbling past defenders effortlessly and delivering dangerous crosses into the box.
Simon’s persistence paid off when he provided the assist for Dele-Bashiru’s match-winning goal. His dynamic display cemented his status as Nigeria’s most dangerous player on the day and a reliable option on the flanks.
Iwobi’s Lack of End Product Continues
Alex Iwobi, despite his flair and versatility, once again struggled to deliver in the final third for Nigeria. The Fulham midfielder, known for his creativity, has failed to produce significant output for the Super Eagles, with only two assists in his last 32 appearances.
Iwobi had several opportunities to change that against Libya but failed to capitalize on them. He squandered Nigeria’s best chances in both halves and was eventually replaced by Raphael Onyedika in the 74th minute. Dele-Bashiru’s quick impact after coming on further highlighted Iwobi’s lack of finishing ability in key moments.
Boniface’s Super Eagles Struggles Persist
Victor Boniface, Nigeria’s second most valuable player after Victor Osimhen, has yet to find his feet in the national team setup. The Bayer Leverkusen forward looked lethargic and uninspired against a Libyan defense that seemed ripe for exploitation.
While Boniface has been electric in Germany, his performances for the Super Eagles have been a far cry from that form. He has now gone nine games without a goal for Nigeria, raising concerns over his place in the starting lineup. With Taiwo Awoniyi waiting in the wings, Boniface may need to step up soon or risk losing his spot.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s 1-0 win over Libya may not have been the most convincing display, but it highlighted the tactical flexibility of Eguavoen, the brilliance of Moses Simon, and the late-game impact of Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. However, concerns over certain player performances—such as Iwobi and Boniface—remain. As the Super Eagles continue their qualification campaign, addressing these issues will be crucial to ensuring smoother victories in the future.
