Former Nigeria international Victor Ikpeba has urged the Super Eagles not to underestimate Libya when the two nations meet in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying doubleheader, Soccernet.ng reports.
The first leg takes place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, with the return match scheduled for Benina four days later.
Ikpeba, a former AS Monaco striker, believes Nigeria have the talent to dominate Libya but warned that the Mediterranean Knights could pose a serious threat if not respected.
“The Super Eagles have what it takes to punish Libya in both legs,” Ikpeba said during Supersport’s Monday Night Football.
“But you have to respect Libya, they will come down to defend with their lives and rely on counterattacks. They may be missing some key players, but we shouldn’t bother ourselves with what is going on with them.”
The Super Eagles, led by coach Augustine Eguavoen, are in high spirits after collecting four points from their first two qualifying games.
The team’s preparation is set to begin in earnest today, with nine players, including Victor Boniface, Wilfred Ndidi, and Samuel Chukwueze, already in camp in Uyo.
In the absence of Victor Osimhen, Boniface will once again lead the attack for Nigeria despite still searching for his first competitive goal for the former AFCON champions.
Ikpeba highlighted the potential of Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface to score his first goals for the Super Eagles in the upcoming matches.
“The matches against Libya have given Boniface an opportunity to score goals for the Super Eagles,” Ikpeba stated.
“He cannot stop scoring goals in Germany and will now have the self-belief and confidence to score against Libya.”
While Ikpeba expressed confidence in Boniface’s abilities, he also stressed the need for patience.
“He will need time to adapt to the national team. I remember that I was doing well at Monaco, but it took me some time before I settled in the Super Eagles.”
The Super Eagles are without star striker Victor Osimhen and defender Olisa Ndah for this set of qualifiers.
Nonetheless, Nigeria remain determined to secure all six points against a Libyan side that currently sits at the bottom of Group D with just one point from two matches.
Libya’s head coach, Nasser Al-Hadiri, has acknowledged the challenge of facing Nigeria but revealed his side is aiming for a draw to boost their qualification hopes.
“We realise that winning against Nigeria is difficult, but we seek to return with a draw that will be positive for us,” Al-Hadiri told Libya News 24.
The first match kicks off at 5 pm Nigeria time on Friday.
