AFCON qualifiers: Nigeria secures narrow victory over Libya

The Nigerian national team, Super Eagles, on Friday evening secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Libya in their African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifier, thanks to a late strike from substitute Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.

In the dramatic game in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, Dele-Bashiru stole the spotlight, delivering a late-game winner that gave Nigeria a hard-fought victory.

The midfielder, brought on as a substitute, made an instant impact, striking in the 86th minute to break the deadlock after a tense, cagey affair.

READ ALSO :Why I quit Super Eagles coaching job – Peseiro

The Super Eagles will now play the return match away in Libya on Tuesday, October 15.

The Super Eagles had struggled to find their rhythm throughout the match, facing a stubborn Libyan defence that absorbed waves of Nigerian pressure.

With time running out and frustration mounting, Nigeria launched a rapid counterattack that saw the German-born player finish with precision, calmly slotting home to send the Uyo crowd into a frenzy.

The win boosts Nigeria’s qualification hopes, and the on-loan Lazio midfielder’s late heroics highlight his growing importance in the squad.

The victory keeps the Super Eagles firmly on course for a spot in AFCON 2025, with the 23-year-old emerging as the night’s unlikely hero.

Earlier, in the 70th minute, Samuel Chukwueze missed a one-on-one chance that could have put Nigeria ahead.