Super Eagles Triumph in AFCON Qualifiers: Eguavoen Relieved by Narrow Win

Interim coach Augustine Eguavoen expressed immense relief following the Super Eagles’ 1-0 victory over Libya’s Mediterranean Knights in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. Celebrating the win at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Eguavoen reflected on the match, noting that while the result was crucial, he had anticipated a higher scoreline.

The Super Eagles struggled in the first half, ending it in a goalless draw. However, the breakthrough came late in the game when Dele Bashiru found the net in the 87th minute, securing all three points for Nigeria. Eguavoen acknowledged that Libya’s defensive tactics limited his team’s scoring opportunities throughout the match.

Thankful for the win, Eguavoen pointed out that the victory pushed the Super Eagles’ points tally to seven, positioning them favorably in Group D. He commended his players for their effort, emphasizing that they could have added more goals if not for the Mediterranean Knights’ compact defense.

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“Emotions were high, and when the goal came, it was a huge relief. We should have scored more goals, but their tactics made it difficult as they defended in numbers,” Eguavoen stated. He admitted that the team’s performance improved in the second half, with quicker ball circulation leading to better chances in the final stages of the match.

Looking ahead, Eguavoen vowed to re-strategize for the return leg in Libya on Tuesday, aiming to field an even stronger lineup. Team captain William Ekong assured fans in Uyo that the Super Eagles are committed to qualifying for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco and promised a more clinical performance in the upcoming match.