Fisayo Dele-Bashiru rescues Super Eagles against Libya's haram ball

Nigeria beats Libya 1-0 in AFCON qualifier. Dele Bashiru scores winner; Libya defends but struggles offensively. Super Eagles aim for qualification.

Fisayo Dele Bashiru celebrates with teammates after grabbing the only goal of the game between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Knights of Libya on Friday. (Photo credit: Punch)

The Super Eagles of Nigeria limped past the Knights of Libya on Friday in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

The 1-0 score line doesn't accurately reflect the game; the Super Eagles dominated from the beginning to the end, occupying the Liyan half, but they couldn't score until later in the second half, when Dele Bashiru scored his second goal in Nigerian colours.

With Victor Osimhen sidelined, Austin Eguavoen once again started Victor Boniface upfront, flanked by high-flying Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon as Nigeria aims to clinch the top spot and a ticket to the next AFCON early.

The visitors had a game plan, which they stuck to for much of the game; the goal for them was to sit back, absorb pressure, and frustrate the Super Eagles with delay tactics. Their goalkeeper, Murad Al Wuheesh, had crucial saves to make, too.

Despite the home team's lackluster performance, William Troost Ekong, Alex Iwobi, and Lookman all had opportunities, but the visiting goalkeeper either missed them or saved them.

In what is gradually becoming a norm, the Super Eagles had a legitimate goal disallowed by the match officials for an inexistent offside early in the second half; Lookman danced into the Libyan area and slotted one past the keeper, but the flag went up much to the consternation of the home crowd.

As the second half wore on, Coach Austin Eguavoen sent on Samuel Chukwueze and Fisay Dele Bashiru to break the lines and find a breakthrough; it was the Lazio playmaker who grabbed the all-important goal after receiving a pass from Moses Simon.

After conceding, Libya attempted to recover, but they were unable to surpass the halfway point. Their original plan was to defend and run away with a point, while their Plan B was to perfect their Plan A. They offered nothing going forward and could play all day without making forays into the Nigerian box.

Up next for both sides is a return leg at Tripoli next week, Tuesday. It’s a must win for Libya, as they only have one point from three games while the Super Eagles stay top with seven, and a win away to Libya could all but guarantee Nigeria’s participation in Morocco next summer.