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Nigerian midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru scored a late winner for Nigeria in their 1-0 victory over Libya in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Friday.
The Lazio midfielder, who came off the bench in the second half, found the back of the net in the 85th minute, as the Super Eagles retained their pole position in Group D.
The goal that was long in the offing, with Nigeria keeping the ultra-defensive Mediterranean Knights on the back foot for most of the encounter, gave Nigeria their second win in three games of the series after thrashing Benin Republic in their first game at the same venue.
Aiming for a draw to serve as a morale booster for subsequent games, the visitors resorted to delaying tactics, which saw their goalkeeper bagging a yellow card in the early stages of the second half.
Despite their negative approach, the Super Eagles had early chances to break the deadlock, including a controversial moment in the 18th minute when Ademola Lookman was brought down in the box, but the referee waved off the penalty appeal.
Austin Eguavoen’s team continued to press, with William Troost-Ekong missing a good opportunity in the 28th minute after shooting over the bar.
Libya’s defence was resilient, with their goalkeeper, Murad Al Wuhayshi, who played a key role, colliding with Nigeria’s Victor Boniface in the 48th minute, resulting in a lengthy stoppage as he received treatment.
Lookman thought he had finally broken through in the 83rd minute, when he scored, but his goal was ruled out for offside—a decision that sparked protests from the Nigerian bench and the Uyo crowd.
Replays suggested the call was marginal, and the absence of VAR left fans at the stadium frustrated.
With the game seemingly heading for a stalemate, Dele-Bashiru had the final say with his late strike, capitalising on a defensive lapse from the Libyans as he latched onto a Moses Simon’s pass to find the back of the net masterfully.
The Libya goalkeeper was left rooted and could only watch as the ball drifted past into his net.
The Mediterranean Knights pushed for an equaliser in added time, but Nigeria’s defence held firm to secure a vital win.
With this result, Nigeria maintained their pole position in Group D with seven points, one ahead of Benin Republic, who trounced Rwanda 3-0 in the group’s second fixture of the day in Ivory Coast. Libya remains at the bottom of the group with just one point.
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