The Super Eagles of Nigeria continued their 2025 AFCON qualifiers with a hard-fought victory over Libya on Friday evening.
Three-time African champions Nigeria faced off against the Mediterranean Knights in their third qualifying match at Uyo, narrowly securing a 1-0 win.
Nigeria were fully in charge of the game from beginning to end but were held off by Libya's strong defence. However, they eventually broke through when Fisayo Dele-Bashiru slotted in a brilliant cross from Moses Simon.
Afrik-Foot rates the performance of the Nigerian players as they claimed the first bragging rights over Libya
Stanley Nwabali – 5/10
Chippa United's goalkeeper had little to do in goal. Despite the lack of pressure, the reliable shot-stopper stood his ground when needed.
William Troost-Ekong – 6.5/10
The Al-Kholood center-back had a solid outing. He commanded the defense well and had a chance to score, but missed the opportunity.
Ola Aina – 6.5/10
The Nottingham Forest full-back had a decent game. His link-up play was smooth, though he didn’t contribute much going forward.
Calvin Bassey – 6/10
The Fulham defender paired well with Troost-Ekong and was the backbone of the defense. A solid performance, though nothing spectacular.
Bruno Onyemaechi – 6.3/10
The Boavista full-back was reliable defensively and created some decent scoring chances.
Wilfred Ndidi – 5/10
The Leicester City midfielder struggled to find his rhythm and was a shadow of himself until being substituted in the second half.
Frank Onyeka – 5/10
The Brentford midfielder had a quiet game with little to show before being subbed off 16 minutes into the second half.
Alex Iwobi – 7/10
The Fulham star showed glimpses of brilliance, creating several scoring opportunities. He came close to scoring and could have had a hat-trick before being replaced in the 73rd minute.
Moses Simon – 8/10
The Nantes winger was a constant threat, tormenting the Libyan defense. He switched flanks effectively and delivered a perfect assist for the winning goal.
Ademola Lookman – 6/10
The Atalanta forward had a quiet first half but came alive in the second. He found the net, but the goal was ruled offside.
Victor Boniface – 5/10
The Bayer Leverkusen striker had a decent game but struggled to break through the Libyan defense before being substituted.
Substitutes
Samuel Chukwueze – 4/10
The AC Milan forward came on in the 61st minute and saw a great scoring chance denied by the Libyan goalkeeper nine minutes later.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru – 7/10
The Lazio midfielder replaced Iwobi and grabbed the winning goal just minutes before the end of regular time.
Taiwo Awoniyi – 3/10
The Nottingham Forest striker replaced Boniface but was effectively shut down by the Libyan defense.
Raphael Onyedika – 3/10
The Club Brugge midfielder came on for Ndidi but didn’t make much of an impact.
Semi Ajayi – 3/10
The West Brom defender came on late to replace Lookman and barely touched the ball.
