In a recent press conference, Augustine Eguavoen, head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, addressed the significant challenge that lies ahead as his team prepares to face Libya in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. Despite the obstacles, Eguavoen expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to prevail.
Currently leading Group D with four points from two matches, the Super Eagles will take on a Libyan team that is notably weakened, having only accumulated one point in the group. Eguavoen is cognizant of the threat Libya poses, regardless of their current standing.
“They will come here ready to fight, and we are not even thinking about the return match next week; our entire focus is on the game this Friday,” Eguavoen remarked. He underscored the importance of securing a victory, stating, “We understand the significance of getting the job done as soon as possible.”
While Eguavoen remains optimistic, he also expressed concern about the absence of star forward Victor Osimhen, who is nursing a muscle injury sustained during a match between Galatasaray and Kenneth Omeruo’s Kasimpasa in the Turkish League. Osimhen is anticipated to be sidelined for at least three weeks, missing key fixtures in the AFCON qualifiers.
“It’s a massive loss. We all know how critical Osimhen is to our plans, but we have other players ready to rise to the occasion,” Eguavoen commented. “He might not be with us physically, but he’s very much with us in spirit.”
With matches against Libya set for October 11th and 15th, the Super Eagles are determined to secure their spot in the 2025 AFCON tournament. As of the latest training session, a total of twenty players were present at their camp in Four Points, Ikot Ekpene, including Amas Obasogie, Stanley Nwabali, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Victor Boniface, Samuel Chukwueze, Benjamin Tanimu, Maduka Okoye, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, Bruno Onyemaechi, Taiwo Awoniyi, Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon, Alhassan Yusuf, and Ola Aina.
