Visiting Mediteranea Knights of Libya were a few minutes of fulfilling their wish for draw in the Friday’s group D 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, but Fisayo Dele-Bashiru came off the bench to break the deadlock late in the game.
It was a relief for the Super Eagles bench lead by Austin Eguaveon and the fans at the at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium Uyo who watch all the Eagles laboured all evening against the Libyans who practically parked the bus.
They had goalkeeper Murad Al Wuheeshi to thank for denying Alex Iwobi and Victor Boniface early in the half. Also, Ademola Lookman had the chance to score after he was brought down in the box, but he missed from the spot.
In the 27th minute Al Wuheeshi was called to duty again and he beat away Frank Onyeka’s shot at goal, captain William Trost-Ekong failed to take advantage of the rebound that fell on his feet.
Moses Simon came face to face with Al Wuheesi after he dribbled his way into the box, but the Libyan keep dived low to prevent his shot from going in.
Just before the break, Lookman’s cross found Victor Boniface, but he couldn’t turn his header in for his first Super Eagles goal.
The second half resumed with Libya defending resolutely as the Super Eagles looked for the right pass that would change the outlook of the game. Lookman had a goal disallowed for offside.
But the moment came in the 86th minute when Moses Simon cut in an excellent cross, which Dele-Bashiru jabbed in without hesitation to put the smiles on the heavy faces of the Super Eagles coaches.
