The Super Eagles of Nigeria needed a late minute strike from Fisayo Tom Bashiru to secure maximum three points and 1-0 victory over the Mediterranean Knights of Libya.
Benin Republic also defeated Rwanda 3-0 in the Group D matches played on Friday in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying, 2025 AFCONQ, to take charge of the group, Sports247 reports.
The Super Eagles laboured to goalless draw in the first of the game at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo as the defensive tactics deployed by the Libyans worked effectively.
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Coach Eguavoen deployed an attacking formation of 4-3-3 as usual but the Super Eagles failed to make any meaningful use of the dominance in the game with the Libya goalkeeper standing like a wall of Gibraltar and the Super Eagles with the half chances created as the match dragged to to goalless first match.
The situation continues late into the second half but the introduction of Samuel Chukwueze, Fisayo Tom Bashiru and Taiwo Awoniyi brought some fresh ideas and energy into game as the Super Eagles increased their level of urgency, doubling their efforts at goals which eventually paid off in the 87th via the boot Fisayo Tom Bashiru, the Lazio International midfielder to secure another three points for the Super Eagles in the qualifying series.
Elsewhere, the Cheetahs of Benin Republic under tetulahe of former Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr made light work out of the Amavubis of Rwanda in Cotonou as they cruised to 3-0 victory.
The two outcomes put the two West African neighbours in control of the group with seven and six points respectively with Nigeria retaining the number one spot in the group while Benin consolidated their second position with the decisive victory against Rwanda.
Nigeria will face Libya on Matchday in Benani Libya on Tuesday while Rwanda will host Benin Republic on Tuesday in Kigali as the qualifying series for Morocco 2025 enters Matchday four.
A win for both Nigeria and Benin Republic on Tuesday while both countries secured the top two spots with unassailable 10 points and nine points respectively as Libya and Rwanda and languishing in third and fourth position in the group with one point after three matches played in the series.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, (2025 AFCON) will be held in Morocco by December 2025 and only the top two in each of the twelve groups of four teams each will qualify for the Africa biggest football fiesta
