Super Eagles midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, emerged as the match-winner when his 85th-minute goal secured Nigeria a crucial 1-0 victory over Libya in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
The victory allowed Nigeria to maintain their lead at the top of Group D with seven points from three matches, following Benin’s 3-0 triumph over Rwanda earlier in the day.
Dele-Bashiru, who came off the bench to replace Alex Iwobi in the 74th minute, found the back of the net in the 85th minute. The Lazio star latched onto a low cross from Moses Simon, breaking the deadlock and the Libyans’ defensive resistance.
The North Africans had been frustrating the Super Eagles throughout the match, employing time-wasting tactics to slow the game. However, Dele-Bashiru’s goal ultimately shattered their hopes of holding out for a draw.
Earlier in the match, Ademola Lookman’s effort was disallowed for offside, a decision that sparked protests from the crowd. Despite the setback, the Eagles remained composed and pushed for the winning goal, which eventually came through Dele-Bashiru’s decisive strike.
Looking ahead, the Super Eagles will face Libya again on Tuesday, this time away. A win in the return fixture would put Nigeria on the brink of securing a place in the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco.
