AFCONQ 2025: Libya’s Knights land in Uyo ahead of crucial clash against Nigeria’s Super Eagles

Libya’s Mediterranean Knights have touched down in Uyo, Nigeria, ahead of their must-win Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifying clash against the Super Eagles, Soccernet.ng reports.

The delegation made the long journey from Tripoli to Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, before travelling by road to Uyo, where they will face Nigeria on Friday, October 11, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

This match, part of the third round of Group D qualifiers, is crucial for both teams as they seek to secure their place in the tournament set to be hosted in Morocco.

The clash will be the first test for newly appointed Libyan coach, Nasser Al-Hadhiri, who replaced Serbian Milutin Sredojevic following Libya’s disappointing performances in the opening two rounds.

The Knights, currently struggling in Group D, see this fixture as an opportunity to turn their campaign around.

Al-Hadhiri and his squad, who held their final training session in Tripoli before travelling, will have their first training in Uyo on Wednesday morning to acclimatise and make necessary tactical adjustments ahead of the high-stakes encounter.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Super Eagles are well into their preparation for the match. Interim coach Austin Eguavoen, who is overseeing the squad following the departure of Finidi George, held the team’s first training session on Tuesday evening.

Twenty players have reported to camp so far, including key figures like Ballon d’Or nominee Ademola Lookman, Fulham’s Alex Iwobi, and Calvin Bassey, as well as Nottingham Forest stars Taiwo Awoniyi and Ola Aina. Defensive mainstay William Troost-Ekong, Moses Simon, Maduka Okoye, and others also participated in the session.

Still missing from the camp are Sevilla’s Kelechi Iheanacho, Chidera Ejuke, and Fenerbahçe’s Bright Osayi-Samuel, who are expected to join the team shortly.

The Super Eagles, sitting on four points after their opening two matches, will be eager to maintain their solid start to the qualifiers and take full advantage of playing at home.

After the Uyo showdown, the reverse fixture will be held just four days later on October 15 at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Benghazi, Libya.