Nigeria 1-0 Libya: Africa Cup of Nations Qualification – Highlights, Goals, Analysis
On October 11, 2024, Nigeria and Libya faced off in Round 3 of the Africa Cup of Nations Qualification. The match, which took place at 17:00, ended with a narrow 1-0 victory for Nigeria, thanks to an 87th-minute goal by Dele-Bashiru, assisted by Moses Simon.
It was a game filled with tension, grit, and flashes of brilliance, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. Despite the low scoreline, both teams had their moments, and this match left fans with plenty to talk about.
Let’s break down the key highlights of the match, focusing on the positive sides and negative sides of each team, to better understand how Nigeria secured this important win and what Libya could have done differently.
First Half: Nigeria’s Dominance But No Breakthrough
From the opening whistle, Nigeria took control of the game, dominating possession and dictating the pace. With 65% ball possession compared to Libya’s 35%, the Super Eagles applied pressure from the get-go.
The Nigerian midfield, led by the likes of Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi, worked hard to move the ball forward, creating space and opportunities for the attackers. The team registered 15 goal attempts in the match, but in the first half, they couldn’t convert any of these chances into goals.
Despite Nigeria’s control, the Libyan defense stood firm. Libya came into the match with a clear defensive strategy, knowing they were the underdogs.
Their backline, anchored by Al Musrati and Ezoo El Mariamy, worked tirelessly to keep Nigeria from breaking through. Goalkeeper Mukhtar Al Shremi also played a crucial role in keeping Libya in the game, making several key saves throughout the match.
Nigeria’s attack, led by Samuel Chukwueze and Taiwo Awoniyi, looked lively but lacked that clinical finishing touch in the first half. The Super Eagles earned 6 corner kicks and managed 7 shots on goal, yet the Libyan defense held strong.
There were moments of brilliance from Chukwueze, who danced past defenders with ease, but his efforts were thwarted by the Libyan defenders, who threw everything they had to keep the game scoreless.
Libya, on the other hand, struggled to create any real chances in the first half. They only managed 2 goal attempts, with none of them being on target. Libya’s attacking efforts were limited, and their forwards found it difficult to break through Nigeria’s organized defense.
As the first half ended goalless, it became clear that while Libya were holding their own defensively, they would need more creativity and risk-taking in attack if they wanted to get a result.
Second Half: Nigeria’s Persistence Pays Off
The second half began much like the first, with Nigeria pushing forward in search of a breakthrough. The introduction of fresh legs, including Victor Boniface and Onyedika Raphael, added new energy to Nigeria’s attack. It wasn’t long before the momentum started shifting further in Nigeria’s favor.
In the 58th minute, Al Wuheeshi and Chukwueze clashed in an important moment as Chukwueze tried to find space to attack. Shortly after, Nigeria made their first significant substitution, bringing on Frank Onyeka for Chukwueze, signaling a desire to strengthen the midfield and create more dynamic play.
Libya, however, also made tactical changes, introducing Shafshuf Saleh and El Meehoub to bring more defensive stability. These substitutions momentarily gave Libya a lifeline as they managed to break up some of Nigeria’s build-up play. However, despite their efforts, Nigeria kept pushing forward.
The game’s defining moment came in the 87th minute. A beautiful cross from Moses Simon found its way to Dele-Bashiru, who calmly slotted the ball into the net, giving Nigeria the lead.
The Nigerian fans erupted in celebration, knowing how crucial this goal was for their Africa Cup of Nations qualification hopes. It was a moment of sheer brilliance from Simon, whose pinpoint cross was perfectly weighted, and Dele-Bashiru, whose composure under pressure sealed the win.
Libya, now chasing the game, tried to respond quickly. However, they lacked the offensive firepower to trouble the Nigerian defense. Their only real chance came from Ezoo El Mariamy, but his effort was blocked by Nigeria’s backline. As the clock wound down, Libya’s hopes faded, and Nigeria saw out the remaining minutes with ease.
Positives and Negatives for Nigeria
Positives:
1. Dominance in Possession: Nigeria controlled the ball with 65% possession, allowing them to dictate the tempo of the game. Their passing was sharp and purposeful, with 507 total passes and 442 completed passes, showcasing their ability to keep control.
2. Solid Defense: Nigeria’s defense was rarely troubled by Libya’s attacks. They allowed just 2 shots on goal, and Goalkeeper Ajayi didn’t have to make a single save. This highlights the defensive strength of the team, which is crucial for their future games.
3. Dele-Bashiru’s Impact: Coming off the bench, Dele-Bashiru was the hero of the night with his late goal. His awareness and calm finish showed why he is a valuable asset to the team.
Negatives:
1. Wasteful Finishing: Despite creating 15 goal attempts and having 7 shots on goal, Nigeria struggled to convert their chances into goals. They could have sealed the game earlier if they had been more clinical in front of goal.
2. Slow Start: While Nigeria dominated possession, they were slow to break down Libya’s defense in the first half. It took them until the 87th minute to score, which could have been risky against stronger opposition.
Positives and Negatives for Libya
Positives:
1. Defensive Discipline: Despite being under pressure for most of the match, Libya showed great defensive discipline. Their ability to keep Nigeria at bay for 87 minutes is commendable, especially considering the quality of Nigeria’s attack.
2. Goalkeeper Heroics: Mukhtar Al Shremi made a total of 6 saves, keeping Libya in the game for as long as possible. His quick reflexes and bravery were key to Libya’s defensive efforts.
Negatives:
1. Lack of Attacking Threat: Libya struggled to create any meaningful chances. With just 2 goal attempts and 0 shots on goal, their attack lacked creativity and urgency. This is an area they must improve if they want to compete at this level.
2. Poor Ball Retention: Libya completed just 222 passes out of 279 total, highlighting their inability to maintain possession. This made it difficult for them to build any sustained attacks and left them constantly on the defensive.
Conclusion: Nigeria’s Hard-Earned Victory
In the end, Nigeria deserved their 1-0 victory. They were the more dominant side, controlled possession, and created far more chances than Libya. While the Super Eagles may have left it late, their persistence paid off in the form of Dele-Bashiru’s winner. Libya, on the other hand, will be disappointed with their inability to threaten Nigeria’s goal, but they can take pride in their defensive efforts.
As Nigeria continues their Africa Cup of Nations qualification journey, this victory will boost their confidence, but they will need to be more clinical in front of goal. For Libya, it’s back to the drawing board, especially in terms of their attacking strategy.
