Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru came off the bench to score the decisive goal in Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Libya in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The Super Eagles welcomed the Mediterranean Knights to the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Friday, claiming a vital three points.
Though firm favorites, there was little to choose between Nigeria and a resolute Libya throughout, with Alex Iwobi and Victor Boniface going closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half, but sharp saves by Libyan goalkeeper Murad Al Wuheesi kept the score level.
Nigeria turned the screw in the second half, where Iwobi had two cardinal moments-both missed. Coach Augustine Eguavoen opted for tactical changes in introducing Chukwueze and Dele-Bashiru into the game to further heighten the attack.
It was a rather cagey match, especially with the Libyans providing quite a strong, solid defensive network. Nigeria thought they had broken the deadlock in the 83rd minute when Ademola Lookman found the net, but his goal was controversially ruled offside. However, the breakthrough finally came in the 85th minute. Moses Simon delivered a precise cross, and Dele-Bashiru calmly slotted the ball home to secure the win.
The Super Eagles now sit comfortably in their qualification group, with Dele-Bashiru’s late heroics ensuring a hard-fought victory over Libya.
