Libya is gearing up for a crucial double-header against Nigeria in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, buoyed by the injuries of key Nigerian players Victor Osimhen and Olisa Ndah. The Libyan team believes that the absence of these players will provide them with a significant advantage as they aim to improve their chances of qualification for the finals in Morocco next year.

Key Takeaways

• Libya is optimistic about their chances against Nigeria due to the injuries of Osimhen and Ndah.
• The Libyan government is supporting the team with a private jet for travel and funding for their training camp.
• Libya currently sits at the bottom of Group D, while Nigeria leads the group.

Libya’s Optimism Amid Injuries

The Libyan squad is celebrating the injuries to Nigerian stars Victor Osimhen and Olisa Ndah, viewing it as a potential turning point in their campaign. According to reports, Libyan officials believe that Osimhen’s absence could shift the balance of power in their favor. The team is looking to capitalize on Nigeria’s weakened defense, especially with Ndah, a key defender, also sidelined.

Libya News 24 highlighted that the absence of these players could be a golden opportunity for the Mediterranean Knights to restore their self-confidence and enhance their chances of qualifying for the tournament.

Government Support for the Team

In a show of commitment, the Libyan government, through the Ministry of Sports, has arranged for the national team to travel to Uyo in a private jet. This move underscores the importance of the upcoming matches against Nigeria. The Ministry has also pledged to cover the expenses for the team’s training camp in Tripoli, as well as accommodation and transportation for the second leg of the matches in Benghazi.

The Libyan team is expected to depart from Tripoli on Sunday, where they have been engaged in daily training sessions to prepare for the first leg at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

Tactical Adjustments

With Osimhen and Ndah out of the picture, Libya’s new coach, Nasser Al-Hadhiri, has called up three replacement players: Mohammed Khalil, Abdullah Abdul Rahim, and Faraj Ghaidhan. These adjustments are aimed at strengthening the squad and maximizing their chances against Nigeria.

While Libya has been in camp since Monday, Nigeria has yet to announce their squad for the double-header. The Super Eagles currently lead Group D with four points, following a win over Benin Republic and a draw against Rwanda. In contrast, Libya finds itself at the bottom of the group with just one point from their opening matches.

Upcoming Matches

The double-header between Libya and Nigeria is set for October 11 and 15. The stakes are high, as both teams vie for crucial points in the qualification process for the Africa Cup of Nations. The matches will also see Benin and Rwanda competing for their positions in the group, adding further intrigue to the upcoming fixtures.

As the Libyan team prepares to storm Uyo, the absence of key Nigerian players has injected a sense of hope and determination into their campaign, making the upcoming matches a must-watch for football fans.

Sources

• Libya celebrate Osimhen’s injury, storm Uyo in private jet, Punch Newspapers.