Nigeria: Eguavoen speaks on Libya’s challenge, Osimhen’s absence for crucial AFCON 2025 qualifier

Super Eagles interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has admitted that Nigeria will face a tough challenge from Libya in their upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier but remains confident his team will secure victory, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Super Eagles, who lead Group D with four points from two matches, will take on the Mediterranean Knights in Uyo on Friday.

Eguavoen acknowledged the challenge Libya poses, despite their position at the bottom of the group with just one point.

“They will come here and fight. We are not thinking about the away game; our focus is the game in front of us on Friday,” Eguavoen stated during a media briefing.

He stressed the importance of claiming all three points, saying, “We know what it means to get the job done as quickly as possible.”

Despite his optimism, Eguavoen also expressed frustration over the absence of star forward Victor Osimhen, who sustained a muscle injury during Galatasaray’s match against Kasimpasa.

Osimhen’s injury will keep him sidelined for at least three weeks, ruling him out of the crucial AFCON qualifying matches.

“It’s a huge miss. We all know how important and impactful Osimhen can be, but we have other players who can do the job,” Eguavoen said. “He’s not here physically, but he’s with us spiritually.”

Nigeria will face Libya on October 11th and 15th, hoping to secure their spot in the 2025 AFCON tournament.