The Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated Libya 1-0 in their AFCON 2025 qualifier, thanks to a late goal from substitute Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
In the exciting encounter in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, Dele-Bashiru stole the show, scoring a late-game winner to give Nigeria a hard-fought victory.
The midfielder, who came on as a substitute, made an immediate impact, scoring in the 86th minute to break the tie following a tense, cagey game.
The Super Eagles struggled to find their rhythm throughout the match, thanks to a tenacious Libyan defence that absorbed waves of Nigerian pressure.
With time running out and frustration growing, Nigeria launched a quick counterattack, and the German-born player finished with accuracy, calmly slotting home to throw the Uyo crowd into a frenzy.
The victory enhances Nigeria’s qualification ambitions, as the on-loan Lazio midfielder’s late heroics show his rising role in the squad.
To their credit, Libya fought valiantly, but Nigeria’s determination paid off in the end.
The result leaves the Super Eagles solidly on course for a spot in AFCON 2025, with the 23-year-old emerging as the night’s unexpected hero.
Earlier, in the 70th minute, Samuel Chukwueze wasted a one-on-one opportunity to put Nigeria ahead.
Ademola Lookman thought he had doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the 83rd minute, but his goal was called back for offside.
Nigeria leads Group D with seven points, followed by Rwanda, which has six points from three games. Rwanda has two points, while Libya is last with one.
The Super Eagles will play the return match away in Libya on Tuesday, October 15.
