Nigeria has secured a place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Morocco after Libya’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali on Thursday.
This result qualifies Nigeria with two games left to play in the qualifying stage.
Libya’s Saad Mohamed delivered an 84th-minute goal, surprising Rwanda and keeping Libya’s own qualification hopes alive while confirming Nigeria’s entry into the 35th AFCON tournament.
Before this outcome, the Super Eagles were preparing to face the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, needing only a draw to secure their spot.
Libya’s win, however, finalized Nigeria’s qualification, easing the pressure on the team. A source within the Nigerian camp shared, “Libya’s result was a welcome development, allowing the team to focus on securing the group’s top spot.”
This qualification marks Nigeria’s 21st appearance at AFCON, scheduled for December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
The Super Eagles have previously won the title three times: in 1980 at home, in Tunisia in 1994, and in South Africa in 2013. In the most recent AFCON, held in Ivory Coast earlier this year, they finished as runners-up after a close 2-1 loss to the hosts, marking their fifth second-place finish since debuting in 1963. Nigeria has also claimed third place on eight occasions.
Libya’s triumph now leaves Nigeria needing only a draw to secure the top position in Group D. Their next match will be against Rwanda on Monday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Rwanda, currently third in the group with five points, and Libya, a point behind, still retain slim hopes of qualification.
