Libya is reportedly optimistic about their probabilities within the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group D qualifiers in opposition to Nigeria, scheduled for October 11 and 15, following accidents to Nigerian stars Victor Osimhen and Olisa Ndah.
A number of sources point out that Libyan followers and analysts imagine the absence of each gamers might enhance their crew’s prospects of securing a good outcome, serving to to revive their hopes of qualifying for the event in Morocco subsequent 12 months.
Libyan information outlet Libya Information 24 highlighted this view in a Friday report, stating, “Osimhen’s absence presents a golden alternative to shift the stability of energy in our favor.” The report added that if the Libyan technical crew can capitalize on this, it may very well be a key second to rebuild confidence and strengthen their possibilities of advancing.
Alongside Osimhen, Orlando Pirates defender Olisa Ndah will even be lacking resulting from harm. Ndah, who performed a vital function in Nigeria’s final match in opposition to Benin, serving to hold a clear sheet, is considered an important a part of the Tremendous Eagles’ protection. His absence, the Libyan outlet steered, creates a defensive vulnerability that the Mediterranean Knights might exploit to extend stress on Nigeria’s weakened backline.
In the meantime, Al Wasat Gate reported that the Libyan authorities, by means of its Ministry of Sports activities, is making intensive preparations for the matches. The Ministry has organized for the crew’s transportation to Uyo, Nigeria, through a non-public jet and is protecting the prices of their coaching camp in Tripoli.
“The Ministry of Sports activities has confirmed it can cowl the bills of the Libyan nationwide crew’s journey by non-public aircraft to Nigeria for the AFCON qualifiers, in addition to the prices of their camp in Tripoli and lodging for the second leg in Benghazi,” the outlet reported on Friday.
In response to Libya Al-Ahrar Channel, the Libyan squad, generally known as the Mediterranean Knights, is ready to depart for Nigeria from Tripoli on Sunday. They’ve been holding every day coaching classes within the capital in preparation for the primary leg on the Godswill Akpabio Worldwide Stadium in Uyo.
New head coach Nasser Al-Hadhiri, alongside his assistants Akram Al-Hammami and Abu Bakr Al-Hark, has referred to as up three replacements for key absentees: defender Mohammed Khalil from Al-Tahadi, midfielder Abdullah Abdul Rahim from Al-Nasr, and winger Faraj Ghaidhan from Al-Akhdar.
Whereas Libya has been in camp since Monday, Nigeria is but to launch its squad checklist or name gamers to camp for the double-header.
Heading into the essential encounters, Nigeria tops Group D with 4 factors after a win in opposition to Benin Republic and a draw in opposition to Rwanda in Kigali. In distinction, Libya sits on the backside of the group with only one level, following a 1-1 draw with Rwanda and a 2-1 loss to Benin Republic in Ivory Coast.
Elsewhere in Group D, Benin and Rwanda, with three and two factors respectively, will even conflict in a double-header on October 11 and 15, with matches going down at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan and Stade Amahoro in Kigali.