Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s 86th minute strike off a cross from Moses Simon gave Coach Augustine Eguavoen his 15th victory in charge of Nigeria (over 25 matches) and handed the Super Eagles all the three points against Libya in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match in Uyo on Friday.

Simon had been a threat all game, frisking the pockets of the Mediterranean Knights who defended strongly in numbers and came close to earning a point at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

In the absence of Victor Osimhen, his namesake Boniface started in front, but the Germany-based striker failed to find his first goal in competitive match for Nigeria, as the impressive goalkeeper Murad Abu Bakr Alwuheeshi excelled as much in blocking balls with all parts of his body as with running down the clock.

Alex Iwobi could have put Nigeria ahead after 11minutes but his shot from the edge of the box after a raid by Ademola Lookman was charged down by Suhib Shafshuf. Boniface was thwarted in the 16th minute after being guilty of too many touches, and captain William Ekong heaved over the sticks from four yards in the 28th minute as the visitors continued to live dangerously.

The Super Eagles kept their feet on the pedal and Simon darted past three defenders in the 37th minute only to see his shot blocked, as Iwobi’s effort was cleverly foiled two minutes later.

In the second half, Iwobi missed with a header from another Simon cross in the 56th minute, and put too much purchase on his volley three minutes later.

In the 71st minute, substitute Samuel Chukwueze was foiled by the brilliant Abu Bakr Alwuheeshi, but the goalkeeper had no answer when Italy-based Dele-Bashiru lashed to his blind side from a good cross by Simon.

The Eagles stay top of the pool, one point ahead of Benin Republic’s Cheetahs who routed Rwanda’s Amavubi 3-0 in another Matchday 3 encounter.

Victory for the Eagles in Benin on Tuesday night will virtually seal a ticket to the 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, with the Cheetahs also to join if they overcome the Amavubi in their own return in Kigali.

The post 2025 AFCON Qualifiers: Super Eagles Defeat Libya In Uyo , Maintain Group D Leadership appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

A former Senator, Shehu Sani has advised Nigerians not to watch the Super Eagles versus Benin Republic match today if they are hypertensive.

Three-time Africa champions, Nigeria will take on the Cheetahs of Benin Republic today in the first Group D match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON qualification race.

Ahead of the cracker which will hold at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Senator Sani has cautioned Nigerians not to watch the match live if they have Blood Pressure Or Heart Issues.

“Super Eagles Vs Benin Republic tomorrow in Uyo.

“Please if you have any Blood pressure or Heart issues avoid watching it live.
Thank you,” he posted on his X handle on Friday.

The match will start at 5pm local time.

Senator Sani’s warning is coming following poor performances of the Super Eagles in their recent matches including a 2-1 defeat they suffered against same Benin Republic in their last Works Cup qualifiers in June

The post Don’t Watch Nigeria Vs Benin Match If You’ve Blood Pressure Or Heart Issues – Shehu Sani Tells Nigerians appeared first on ESUT Monitor.