AFCON 2025: Dele-Bashiru Clinches Late Win for Nigeria
Prince Jean
Oct 12, 2024
In a closely contested match between the Super Eagles and the Mediterranean Knights, Dele-Bashiru's late goal earned the hosts a vital three points.. Credit:gettyimages
In a highly anticipated AFCON 2025 qualifier on matchday three, Nigeria took on Libya at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, but the encounter turned out to be a frustrating evening for the Super Eagles.
Interim coach Augustine Eguavoen faced a significant challenge, as star striker Victor Osimhen was unavailable for the match. From the start, Libya made their game plan clear: sit deep, absorb pressure, and stifle Nigeria’s attacking efforts. The first half offered little in terms of excitement, with the visitors content to defend, forcing the Super Eagles to work hard for any breakthrough.
Despite Nigeria's dominance in possession, their frustration grew as several key chances went begging. Murad Al Wuheesh, Libya’s goalkeeper, stood firm, pulling off several crucial saves to deny Alex Iwobi, William Troost-Ekong, and Ademola Lookman, whose efforts lacked the cutting edge needed to find the back of the net.
With the game deadlocked and the clock ticking down, Eguavoen made decisive changes, bringing on Samuel Chukwueze and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru to add more firepower to his attack. Just when it seemed like the match would end in a goalless draw, Dele-Bashiru, the 23-year-old Lazio midfielder, latched onto a pass and slotted home the decisive goal, securing a vital 1-0 victory for Nigeria.
The late winner kept Nigeria’s AFCON dreams alive, as the Super Eagles left the stadium relieved and victorious, keeping their sights set firmly on qualification for Morocco.
