With barely two weeks until Libya’s crucial AFCON 2025 qualifier against Nigeria, the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has named Nasser Al-Hadhiri as the new head coach of the Mediterranean Knights, Soccernet.ng reports.
The appointment comes after the dismissal of Serbian coach Milutin Sredojević, known as Micho, following Libya’s disappointing 2-1 defeat to Benin in the second round of qualifiers, as per the Libya Observer.
Al-Hadhiri, who previously served as assistant coach under Spaniard Javier Clemente during his stint with the Libyan national team in 2014, will be assisted by Abu Bakr Al-Harak, while Misbah Shangab takes on the role of goalkeeper coach.
The new coaching team faces a significant challenge as Libya sit at the bottom of Group D with only one point, making their path to qualification increasingly difficult.
The first leg of the doubleheader against Nigeria is set to take place on October 7 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, while the return fixture is scheduled for October 15 at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Benghazi, Libya.
The venue, with a capacity of 10,000, features an artificial pitch, which could pose a challenge for the Nigerian team, who are more accustomed to natural grass.
Currently ranked 121st globally and 34th in Africa by FIFA, Libya will need a remarkable turnaround to revive their AFCON campaign.
In contrast, Nigeria sit 39th globally and 6th in Africa, leading Group D with four points from their opening two matches.
Al-Hadhiri’s appointment signals a fresh start for the Mediterranean Knights, but with the formidable Super Eagles up next, the new coach will have to inspire a rapid improvement to keep Libya’s AFCON 2025 hopes alive.
