The Super Eagles are gearing up for their third 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya on Friday. The match holds significant weight for both sides, as Nigeria looks to edge closer to qualification, while Libya battles to keep their hopes alive.
Nigeria currently sits in a strong position, having secured four points from their first two matches against Benin and Rwanda. A win in this fixture would put them just one victory away from sealing their spot in the AFCON finals. Meanwhile, Libya, with just one point from two games, will be desperate to collect all three points to stay in contention.
Despite being without star striker Victor Osimhen due to injury, Nigeria still boasts a strong squad with players like Victor Boniface, Ademola Lookman, Wilfred Ndidi, and Chidera Ejuke expected to feature. Though the Super Eagles are clear favorites, past surprises from the three-time African champions mean Libya can’t be entirely ruled out.
Coach Augustine Eguavoen is expected to maintain the 3-4-3 formation used by his predecessor, Jose Peseiro, with a few tweaks for added fluidity. Stanley Nwabali, in impressive form for Chippa United, is likely to start in goal, with Maduka Okoye as backup.
Defensively, Eguavoen is tipped to rely on the trio of Semi Ajayi, William Troost-Ekong, and Calvin Bassey, while Ola Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi are expected to take up the fullback roles. In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi is a certain starter, with Alex Iwobi likely partnering him to bring creativity and balance.
In attack, Ademola Lookman will occupy the left wing, with Chidera Ejuke on the right. Bayer Leverkusen’s in-form striker Victor Boniface is set to lead the line.
Predicted Line-up: Nwabali; Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Ajayi; Aina, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Iwobi; Boniface, Lookman, Ejuke.
As the Super Eagles prepare for this crucial encounter, fans are eagerly awaiting to see if Nigeria can take a big step toward securing their spot in Morocco for the AFCON 2025.