Frank Christian
This month, Nigeria is set to continue its pursuit of qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations finals as they take on Libya in a crucial double-header.
The Super Eagles currently lead Group D with four points from their first two matches in September, a positive outcome that has boosted team morale following a challenging World Cup qualifying campaign.
On the other hand, Libya hasn’t won in their last three outings and suffered a defeat against Benin in their latest qualifier, leaving them lacking in confidence for these upcoming games. Head coach Nasser Al-Hadiri has indicated that their strategy for the initial match in Uyo will focus on securing a draw.
However, Nigeria’s inconsistencies in 2024 may lead them to underestimate their foes, and former striker Victor Ikpeba emphasizes the importance of respecting Libya’s defensive capabilities. “They will be determined to defend and strike through counterattacks,” he stated via Supersport, also noting that their missing key players should not distract Nigeria.
Below, The Sporting News provides insights into the expected lineup for Nigeria’s match against Libya, along with team news from coach Augustine Eguavoen.
Nigeria’s Expected Lineup and Team News for the Libya Match
Superstar striker Victor Osimhen is unlikely to be fit until late October, thus he is excluded from this month’s roster. This places greater expectations on Victor Boniface, a 23-year-old who has netted six goals in nine matches for Bayer Leverkusen this season, yet remains goalless in eight appearances for Nigeria.
Defender Olisa Ndah will also be absent, but coach Eguavoen has a solid team to select from. Captain William Troost-Ekong spearheads a lineup featuring other talents like Fulham’s Alex Iwobi, AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze, and Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman.
Bright Osayi-Samuel returns after missing previous international matches, and Sevilla’s Chidera Ejuke might earn his first cap since the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
Predicted Nigeria XI (3-4-3, right to left): Nwabali (GK) — Ajayi, Troost-Ekong, Bassey — Aina, Ndidi, Iwobi, Onyemaechi — Chukwueze, Boniface, Lookman
Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, Amas Obasogie
Defenders: William Ekong, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Benjamin Tanimu
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi
Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze, Chidera Ejuke, Ademola Lookman, Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface, Moses Simon, Taiwo Awoniyi
Kick-off Time for Nigeria vs. Libya
This AFCON qualifying match will take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria, starting at 5:00 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time converts to various regions around the globe:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| USA | Fri, Oct. 11 | 12 p.m. ET |
| Canada | Fri, Oct. 11 | 12 p.m. ET |
| Australia | Sat, Oct. 12 | 3 a.m. AEDT |
| UK | Fri, Oct. 11 | 5 p.m. BST |
| India | Fri, Oct. 11 | 9:30 p.m. IST |
Live Stream and TV Coverage for Nigeria vs. Libya
Here are the options to view this AFCON qualifying match in different regions:
| Region | TV | Streaming |
| USA | beIN SPORTS XTRA | Fubo, Fanatiz, beIN Sports Connect, Tubi |
| Canada | beIN SPORTS XTRA | Fubo, Fanatiz, beIN Sports Connect |
| UK | — | bet365 |
| Australia | — | — |
| India | — | — |
