The Super Eagles secured a late 1-0 victory over Libya at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru scoring the decisive goal in the 87th minute of the AFCON 2025 qualifier.
A dominant performance by the Super Eagles was capped off by a well-taken goal by the Lazio midfielder who had replaced Alex Iwobi in the 74th minute.
Nigeria's victory over the North Africans marked their fifth win in six encounters, with their only defeat occurring in the LG Cup in 2004.
Nigeria vs Libya: How it happened
Nigeria's interim head coach, Austin Eguavoen, has made two changes to the lineup that faced Rwanda last month. Moses Simon and Frank Onyeka will replace Samuel Chukwueze and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru in the starting XI.
Nigeria’s superior quality was evident in the opening exchanges as they enjoyed the larger share of possession but found clear-cut chances hard to come by. The Super Eagles' first threatening attempt occurred in the 28th minute when Frank Onyeka's shot was parried by the Libyan goalkeeper, Murad Al Wureeshi. However, the rebound from skipper William Troost-Ekong went astray.
There were plenty of huffing and puffing from Eguavoen's men but very little in the way of cutting edge in the box, with Libya's measured approach ensuring the first half will end without a goal.
The second half was no different with the visitors beginning the half extremely conservatively, defending in a deep 5-4-1 formation, attacking when an opportunity presented itself but not throwing men forward with abandon. They bided their time and, while ensuring the door remaineD closed at the other end but not prevent Dele-Bashiru from grabbing the winner for the hosts.
Before the goal, Nigeria's best chances of the half fell to Alex Iwobi on two occasions. First, he failed to direct his header while unmarked, and minutes later, he skied a half-volley. Chukwueze, who came on for Onyeka, also missed a clear opportunity when he found himself in front of the Libyan goalkeeper but was unable to convert.
Nigeria vs Libya: Super Eagles maintain top spot
The Super Eagles have solidified their standing in the table, with Friday's victory marking two wins in their last three matches..
Nigeria began their campaign with a 3-0 home victory over Benin, followed by a 0-0 draw with Rwanda just days later. With their recent win over the Mediterranean Knights, Nigeria has now accumulated seven points from a possible nine.
Benin currently sits in second place with six points, while Rwanda is in third with two points. Libya occupies the bottom position with just one point.
The Super Eagles will next face Libya in a reverse fixture on Tuesday, October 15, at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium.