On Wednesday, October 9, Head Coach Augustine Eguavoen set an ambitious goal for the Super Eagles to secure all six points in their upcoming matches against Libya’s Mediterranean Knights. This doubleheader is crucial as Nigeria vies for a spot in next year’s Africa Cup of Nations finals.
The first match will take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, while the return match is scheduled for Tuesday, October 15, at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium, located near Libya’s second city, Benghazi.
Eguavoen emphasized, “We have to be practical about it: our best and surest route to the finals will be to pick up the six points in the matches with Libya, and be somewhat guaranteed of a place in Morocco even before Matchday 5. We don’t want to be in any anxiety in the run-in in this qualifying campaign.”
While the team will miss star player Victor Osimhen, Eguavoen remains confident in the other strikers’ abilities to score. “I believe in the other strikers available to get us the goals that will give us the three points in Uyo, and the three points in Libya,” he said.
As of now, Nigeria leads the group with four points from two matches, just ahead of Benin Republic and Rwanda. If the Super Eagles win both matches against Libya, they would jump to 10 points. Meanwhile, any wins for Benin Republic would take them to nine points, while Rwanda and Libya would remain behind.
Eguavoen noted, “There are possibilities and opportunities for us to sail home at the end of these two matches, and we will do our best to take our chances and have the ticket in hand before the final round of games.”
The Libyan team arrived at Port Harcourt International Airport on Tuesday before traveling to Uyo by road. The match will be officiated by Malawian referee Godfrey Philip Nkhakananga, along with his assistant referees and fourth official, who are all set to ensure a smooth game.
