Libya will be missing two key players for their upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifying matches against the Super Eagles of Nigeria due to suspensions. Experienced midfielder Faisal Al Badri, who recently scored against Benin, received yellow cards in the qualifiers against Rwanda and Benin, resulting in a suspension. Similarly, veteran player Magdi Arteeba will serve a one-match ban after picking up bookings in both games against Benin and Rwanda.
The Super Eagles are set to host Libya in Uyo on October 11, before travelling to face the North African side in Libya four days later. Nigeria currently leads Group D with four points, while Libya sits at the bottom with just one point.
Editorial
The upcoming double-header between Libya and Nigeria promises to be a challenging affair, particularly for the Libyan side. Losing two key players ahead of these crucial matches highlights the difficulties Libya faces in this AFCON qualifying campaign. The absence of both Faisal Al Badri and Magdi Arteeba places added pressure on the rest of the team. Nigeria, on the other hand, finds itself in a favourable position, not only due to the suspensions but also because they lead Group D with four points.
This double header offers an opportunity for the Super Eagles to solidify their position and secure a place in the tournament. We believe that maintaining focus and taking advantage of Libya’s weakened squad will be critical for Nigeria to ensure a positive outcome. However, they should not underestimate the resilience of the Libyan team, who will be motivated to fight for their place despite the setbacks.
The suspension of such experienced players will force Libya to dig deep into their squad, giving younger or less experienced players a chance to step up. From a Nigerian perspective, the matches could also provide a platform to experiment with squad rotation, balancing the opportunity to rest key players while remaining competitive.
As we look ahead, we trust that these matches will not only highlight Nigeria’s strength but also provide a chance for tactical flexibility. Winning the first leg in Uyo could set the tone for the second encounter in Libya, where conditions may be less favourable. In this context, securing a comprehensive win at home will be vital to prevent any surprises in the return leg. The road to AFCON qualification is never easy, but Nigeria’s prospects look promising.
Did You Know?
- Libya has never won an AFCON title, with their best performance being runner up in 1982.
- Nigeria has won the AFCON tournament three times, with their most recent victory in 2013.
- Faisal Al Badri, one of Libya’s key players, has been instrumental in their midfield for over a decade.
- The Super Eagles of Nigeria have qualified for the AFCON tournament 19 times in their history.
- Libya’s football federation was established in 1962, two years after the country gained independence.
