Super Eagles interim coach Austine Eguavoen expressed relief after the team’s hard-fought victory against Libya in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
Nigeria faced a tough challenge in breaking down the resilient Mediterranean Knights in front of a packed crowd in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, eventually securing a 1-0 win with an 86th-minute strike by Dele Bashiru.
Speaking after the match, Eguavoen praised his players for securing all three points. “It’s a huge relief for me and the boys. Getting the three points was crucial, and we did it. I expected us to score more, but for some reason, we couldn’t find the back of the net early due to the tactics the Libyans used. But overall, we’re very happy. The three points are what matter most, and we remain at the top of the table,” he said.
The coach also admitted feeling a mix of emotions during the match. “I was feeling bad, but at the same time, I was happy with the boys’ performance, especially in the second half and the final 20 minutes. They kept pushing and possessed the ball well, while being cautious of the Libyans’ quick counter-attacks. Both emotions were running high, but when the goal came, it was a massive relief.”
Eguavoen acknowledged Libya’s defensive tactics, noting, “I thought we could have scored more, but they defended with numbers in front of their goal. It was a tough challenge.”
With seven points from three games in the AFCON qualification campaign, Nigeria will now travel to Libya for the return leg on Tuesday. A win would secure their spot in the 2025 AFCON tournament.