Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen has criticized Libya’s time-wasting tactics during their clash in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Friday, according to softfootball.com. Nigeria continued their impressive run in the qualifiers, securing a victory against Libya in their third match.
Entering the game as the favorites, the Super Eagles quickly set the pace, pressing for goals from the outset. However, they found it challenging to convert their possession into clear-cut scoring opportunities in the first half. Meanwhile, Libya adopted a defensive strategy, aiming to absorb pressure and look for a counterattack.
The first half ended without any goals, but the situation worsened for Nigeria in the second half as the Libyan players resorted to time-wasting tactics. Within the first 15 minutes, Libyan goalkeeper Murad Al Wuheesi wasted over four minutes receiving treatment after a minor collision with Victor Boniface. The goalkeeper also took excessive time with goal kicks, leading to a yellow card.
Despite Nigeria eventually scoring the winning goal, Coach Eguavoen expressed his displeasure at the Libyan side’s tactics. “I think the Libyans used delay tactics because we have our timekeepers in the name of Thomas and Boborise. They wasted 14 to 15 minutes out of the 45 minutes, which is not so good,” Eguavoen stated.
He acknowledged Libya’s potential, stating, “They are a good side; you could see that they could move the ball if they wanted to. But trying to bring in such strategies is a good thing; they should just play normally.” He noted that once Nigeria scored the late goal, Libya shifted their approach, perhaps out of respect, fearing an onslaught from the Super Eagles.
Looking ahead, the return leg in Benghazi is just three days away. Eguavoen emphasized the importance of not conceding first, as it would likely lead to more time-wasting tactics from the Libyans if they took the lead.
