Fisayo Dele-Bashiru scored the lone goal as Nigeria’s Super Eagles narrowly defeated Libya’s Mediterranean Knights 1-0 on Friday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in an AFCON 2025 qualifying match, according to Afrosport.
The Lazio midfielder, who came on as a substitute for Alex Iwobi, found the net in the 86th minute thanks to a well-placed assist from Moses Simon.
Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman thought he had opened the scoring in the 83rd minute after receiving a pass from Raphael Onyedika, but his effort was ruled out for offside.
This victory elevates the three-time African champions to seven points in Group D, putting them in a strong position ahead of Tuesday’s return leg.
The Super Eagles struggled in the first half, with Alex Iwobi’s shot from inside the box being their only attempt on goal. Captain William Troost-Ekong also missed an opportunity, failing to keep his shot on target.
A much-improved second half saw Nigeria turn the tide, especially with the substitutions of Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Taiwo Awoniyi, and AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali faced little challenge throughout the match, as Libya’s coach Nasser Al-Hadiri set up his team to defend. Nigeria will face Libya again on Tuesday in Benina, where a win will secure their spot in the finals in Morocco next December.
