Nigeria narrowly defeated Libya in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification on Friday.
It finished 1-0. The full-time score could have indicated a close match. But it wasn’t.
The Super Eagles dominated the majority of the encounter, which took place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
However, they were unable to threaten the visitors, whose strategy was to remain compact and try to gain something on the break.
The Libyans feigned ailments and used every trick in the book to squander time and prolong the game.
But, ultimately, it was up to the Eagles to assert their obvious advantage, disrupt their shape, and create space.
“It was a boring game, and it didn’t really boost my confidence,” said Nwosu Michael Izuchukwu, a podcaster and digital marketer.
“However, Dele-Bashiru’s goal secured the victory for us. I can only hope it motivates us to go to Benghazi and secure another three points.”
The game demonstrated clearly that the injured Victor Osimhen is the team’s technical leader.
Osimhen, who is presently on loan at Galatasaray, not only scores goals but also leads the team from the front in terms of pushing and effort.
These are attributes that Boniface lacks.
In the three AFCON 2025 qualifiers he has started for the Eagles, the Bayer Leverkusen player has yet to score.
After the game, Eguavoen claimed it was due to the speed of execution.
“Boniface needs to make quick decisions, I think he will start scoring soon,” Eguavoen advised.
But Izuchukwu claims that the forward is being used incorrectly.
He remarked, “I honestly believe he is not being profiled properly.
“Boniface is an excellent player. But he’s not Osimehn, and that must be considered in the Super Eagles’ game plan when he starts up top.”
This raises the question of Eguavoen’s tactical nous.
He has two victories and one draw in his last three games in charge.
However, some of Eguavoen’s ideas, tactical setups, and in-game management have left much to be desired.
“I’m not the biggest fan of his approach to this game,” Izuchukwu adds.
“But we had chances, and if we had been more effective in front of goal, the story would have been different.”
“That being said, he needs to sort that midfield out cause the trio of Iwobi, Onyeka and Ndidi is not looking like the answer.”
Nigeria will face Libya again in the opposite fixture in three days.
Following that game, a decision will be made on whether Eguavoen will continue in his interim position.
Izuchukwu says: “Honestly, in my opinion, they need to decide whether to trust him with the job full-time or select someone else right now.
“Because this team needs to find some balance and better understanding going into 2025 before the AFCON.”
