Dele-Bashiru Rescues Super Eagles in Uyo
The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured a crucial 1-0 victory against Libya in their 2025 AFCON qualifier, thanks to a late goal by substitute Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. Despite a dominant performance, the Nigerian team struggled to break down a resilient Libyan defense, leaving fans at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on edge until the final moments.
Dominant First Half Without Goals
From the opening whistle, Nigeria looked in control of the game. Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface led the line in place of injured Victor Osimhen, but despite creating several chances, the Super Eagles could not find the back of the net. Fulham’s Alex Iwobi came close in the 12th minute with a near-post strike that was expertly saved by Libya’s goalkeeper, Murad Al Wuheeshi.
As the pressure mounted, Brentford’s Frank Onyeka unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, but Al Wuheeshi was equal to the task again. The Nigerian defense, led by William Troost-Ekong, was rarely tested, but the team’s inability to capitalize on their possession kept the game goalless at halftime.
Missed Opportunities Continue
The second half saw Nigeria maintain their attacking momentum. Manager Austin Eguavoen made some tactical adjustments, bringing on Samuel Chukwueze to replace Onyeka. However, the Villarreal winger failed to make the most of a clear-cut chance in the 70th minute, with Al Wuheeshi once again proving to be Libya’s hero.
Victor Boniface, who had been tasked with stepping into Osimhen’s shoes, failed to impress. The striker struggled to impose himself on the game and was substituted for Taiwo Awoniyi in the 70th minute as Nigeria desperately searched for a breakthrough.
Lookman’s Disallowed Goal Adds to Frustration
Ademola Lookman, one of Nigeria’s standout performers in recent months, thought he had broken the deadlock with a clinical finish in the 80th minute, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. The disallowed goal added to the frustrations of the Super Eagles and the expectant home crowd.
Dele-Bashiru’s Moment of Glory
Just when it seemed the game was destined to end in a draw, Nigeria found their hero in Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. The Sheffield Wednesday midfielder, who had come on as a substitute, latched onto a Moses Simon cross and fired home a low shot in the 85th minute to give the Super Eagles the much-needed win.
Eguavoen’s Tactical Decisions
While Eguavoen’s side dominated possession and had multiple chances, his decision to bring on Dele-Bashiru proved decisive. The Nigerian coach will be relieved to have taken all three points, though questions remain over the team’s finishing and the performance of some key players, particularly Boniface, who struggled to fill the void left by Osimhen.
Nigeria’s Position in AFCON Qualifying
With this win, Nigeria remains on track for qualification to the 2025 AFCON. The Super Eagles will need to build on this performance and improve their finishing as they continue their campaign. Libya, on the other hand, will take some pride in their defensive resilience, despite the result.
Social Media Reactions:
- @ChukwuEmeka: “Dele-Bashiru came through clutch! We needed that win. Super Eagles gotta finish chances better though.”
- @AhmedOmar: “Victor Boniface isn’t Osimhen. Eguavoen needs to rethink the attack for the next game.”
- @NaijaFootyFan: “Moses Simon with the perfect assist. Dele-Bashiru did not disappoint!”
- @LindaSports: “Super Eagles made it difficult for themselves. Glad Dele-Bashiru saved the day.”
- @KelechiSports: “Chukwueze should’ve buried that chance. Libyan keeper was on fire though.”
- @SarahOlu: “Boniface is good but he’s no Osimhen. Let’s not pretend they are the same.”
- @JideFooty: “Ademola Lookman so unlucky with that offside call! Deserved a goal.”
- @TheRealOkoye: “Dele-Bashiru the super sub! Eguavoen might need to start him next time.”
- @DanielSports: “Iwobi was solid in midfield. We need more of that energy moving forward.”
- @SportsHub: “Nigeria keeps making games harder than they should be. Good result but we need more.”
- @ToluFan: “Our finishing needs serious work. Too many missed chances.”
- @FootballNaija: “The Super Eagles still have work to do but a win is a win.”
- @BenSports: “The Libyan defense deserves credit. Made Nigeria work hard for this win.”
- @ObiomaWrites: “The disallowed goal was heartbreaking but we got the win in the end!”
- @VictorOkafor: “Boniface needs more time to gel with the team. Can’t expect him to be Osimhen overnight.
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