AFCON2025Q: Augustine Eguavoen Reacts To The Super Eagles Hard-Fought 1-0 Win Against Libya In Uyo.

Super Eagles of Nigeria caretaker boss Augustine Eguavoen has reacted to the narrow 1-0 win over Libya in MatchDay 3 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers fixture on Friday.

Going into the game at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital, Nigeria had a 100% record against Libya, winning all four of their previous encounters, scoring nine goals and conceding just two.

The game on Friday evening ended 1-0. The full-time result might have reflected a tight encounter. But it was not, as the Super Eagles looked to be frustrated in the majority part of the game with The Mediterranean Knights delay tactics.

The Libyans also feigned injuries and employed every other tricks in the book to waste time and delay the game.

Infact, the Super Eagles' number one goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili had nothing to do all through the 90 minutes as the visitors failed to test the shot-stopper.

Eguavoen's men were aggressive from the start, with Bayer Leverkusen's Victor Boniface leading the line in Victor Osimhen's absence.

The Bayer Leverkusen striker continued his goal drought for the Super Eagles, as he failed to threaten the Libyan defenders and they found it easy to mark him out.

Libya keeper Murad Al Wuheeshi continued his man-of-the-match display as he remained solid in goal.

Super Eagles made a triple change as interim coach Eguavoen was forced to shape things up in the final 17 minutes of the tight encounter. 

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, and Taiwo Awoniyi all came on for Alex Iwobi, Victor Boniface, and Wilfred Ndidi, that was minutes after Samuel Chukwueze had been earlier brought on for Frank Onyeka.

With ten minutes left on the clock, Ballon d'Or nominee Ademola Lookman thought he had scored, but the celebrations was halted as the controversial goal was ruled out for offside.

It took a late goal from substitute Fisayo Dele-Bashiru in the 86th-minute to squeeze out a win for Eguavoen’s men.

The Lazio midfielder Bashiru fired home from a fine Moses Simon assist to calm a frustrated crowd in Uyo.

The goals could have been more easily if the hosts took their chances but they managed to secure the much needed three points which was a heartbreak for Libya who feel they could have caused an upset.

Golazooooo 🔥🔥🔥

Super eagles

Dele Bashiru

Nigeria pic.twitter.com/vFTHyFepOF

— Akin (@lacahzet) October 11, 2024 

Interim coach Eguavoen who has taken charge of three fixtures during his latest stint, has recorded two wins and one draw.

Speaking after the nervy game, he blasted Libya for their time-wasting antics.

“They are a good side. They should play. When we scored, they came out,” he said. 

“They defended in numbers in front of their goalkeeper.

“It was a huge relief for me and the boys.

“When the goal came, it was a big relief. But I expected us to score more goals. Overall, we’re happy; we’re still top of the group.

"I was feeling bad, but we kept pushing and progressing. Emotions were high and we are happy to win.

"We were a bit slow in the first half, but the second half was good, we were faster and we got the goal."

The Super Eagles currently maintains top spot in Group D with seven points from three games, that is one more than Benin Republic, who hammered Rwanda 3-0 in an earlier match.

Nigeria will next face the North African side again for the return-leg next week Tuesday in Benina.