SCORENigeria lists five key points from the Super Eagles 1-0 win over hard-fighting Libya in a 2025 AFCON qualifier in Uyo Friday.
5 Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has earned himself a starting XI shirt for the rematch in Libya. He has goals and creativity, which Alex Iwobi doesn’t have. He took his chance when he came off the bench, while Iwobi wasted the many opportunities that fell his way.
4 Victor Boniface has again failed to take his chance with the Super Eagles. Again, he did not receive the type of service he enjoys at Bayer Leverkusen and also, like coach Augustine Eguavoen admitted in the post-match presser, he was too elaborate inside the box when a toe-poke could have got him a goal. Kelechi Iheanacho or Taiwo Awoniyi will have to be considered to start in Benina.
3 Moses Simon best position is on the left side of attack and he justified this will a great individual display, only match winner Dele Bashiru contributed more than he did. This left flank is also the preferred position of Ademola Lookman. That may well explain why he drifted in and out of the encounter as he played mainly on the right even though both players tried to change sides.
2 The Super Eagles created countless chances (8 shots on target in first half), but the finishing let them down. Captain William Ekong has said the team have to be more clinical in front of goal. And there is also the need to have some bit of luck come their way. Like it was in Rwanda last month, Ademola Lookman’s 84th minute goal ought to have stood as he was very much onside before he found the back of the net.
1 Tuesday’s rematch will be a fight to finish. Libya will need to win to have any chance of qualifying for the AFCON. Halfway through the qualifying series they are rooted at the bottom with only a point. Libya showed they can also attack as they did after Dele Bashiru’s goal when they poured forward in search of an equaliser. A more open play will suit Nigeria better as they will get the space to impose their superiority and it is for them to make the most of the chances they will get this time to seal qualification to Morocco 2025.
