5 Lessons Learnt In Nigeria 1-0 Victory Over Libya

5 Lessons Learnt In Nigeria 1-0 Victory Over Libya

By Niyi Busari

The Super Eagles left it late to secure a hard fought 1-0 victory over Libya in their Matchday 3 of 2025 African Cup of Nations Group D qualifying game on Friday at Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, BSNSports.com.ng reports. 

Super substitute, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru came off the bench and on the 86th minute lashed on a pass from Moses Simon to keep the Libyan silent. 

While Nigeria is still topping the group table with 7 points from three matches, here are five lessons learnt in the match. 

1) Dele-Bashiru Should Be Drafted Into Starting XI: The matchday 3 was destined for a draw until Fisayo came on to rescue the Super Eagles in the 86th minute. The same excellent performance displayed against Benin Republic in Uyo. 

2) Eguavoen Defensive Game Plan: Super Eagles interim coach, Austin Eguavoen's rigid defensive game plan should stop. Even when playing against lowly rated teams, he maintained either five-man defence or two defensive midfielders. In yesterday's game against Libya, he started two holding midfielders; Wilfred Ndidi and Onyedika and refused to change pattern even when Nigeria needed a goal and the opponents were defending. Also, when Ademola Lookman was substituted, he brought in a defender, Semi Ajayi leaving skillful and creative Chidera Ejuke on the bench. 

3) Bench Alex Iwobi and Boniface: Alex Iwobi recently has not been doing well as creative midfielder by supplying tailor made passes to attackers to score. On his part, Victor Boniface who has been scoring for Bayer Leverkusen could not replicate same for Super Eagles and it's high time the coach try other strikers in the starting libe up in subsequent matches. 

4) Negative Effect of Unavailability of VAR: Super Eagles have been denied two good goals in the 2025 African Nations Cup qualifier. In Rwanda, Nigeria would have won the match but the center referee disallowed a good goal leaving the table toppers with just a point. In Uyo on Friday, Nigeria, in front of their fans were denied another clean goal by the referee. If there were VAR in both games, the two goals would have stood. 

5) Super Eagles Lack of Clinical Edge: Despite dominating the game, Nigeria's inability to finish scoring opportunities nearly cost them three points. Several missed chances and off target shots from the attackers left the Super Eagles frustrated for most part of the game.