Femi Solaja

In a recent media briefing, Augustine Eguavoen, the interim coach of the Super Eagles, acknowledged the tough challenge ahead as Nigeria prepares to face Libya in the upcoming qualifier for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Despite recognizing the difficulties posed by Libya, who currently sit at the bottom of Group D with just one point, Eguavoen remains confident that his team can secure a win.

The Super Eagles currently lead their group with four points from two matches and will host the struggling Mediterranean Knights in Uyo this Friday. “They will come here and fight,” Eguavoen explained, emphasizing that the team is not looking ahead to the return match next week but is fully focused on the game at hand.

Eguavoen highlighted the importance of claiming all three points in this matchup. “We know what it means to get the job done as quickly as possible,” he said.

While he is optimistic about the game, Eguavoen did voice his frustration regarding the absence of star forward Victor Osimhen, who is sidelined with a muscle injury sustained during a match between Galatasaray and Kenneth Omeruo’s Kasimpasa in the Turkish Lig. Osimhen is expected to be out for at least three weeks, missing crucial AFCON qualifying matches.

“It’s a huge miss. We all know how important and impactful Osimhen can be, but we have other players who are ready to step up,” Eguavoen noted. “He may not be here physically, but he’s with us in spirit.”

The Super Eagles will take on Libya on October 11th and 15th, aiming to secure their place in the 2025 AFCON tournament. As of last evening’s training session, twenty players were in camp at their Four Points, Ikot Ekpene base, including Amas Obasogie, Stanley Nwabali, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Victor Boniface, Samuel Chukwueze, Benjamin Tanimu, Maduka Okoye, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, Bruno Onyemaechi, Taiwo Awoniyi, Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon, Alhassan Yusuf, and Ola Aina.