Nigeria left it late but managed to secure a 1-0 victory over Libya in a tense match, with the Mediterranean Knights adopting a highly defensive approach to frustrate the Nigerians.
The plan worked for 87 minutes before Moses Simon, the Super Eagles' standout player, delivered a cross that Lazio's Fisayo Dele-Bashiru calmly finished.
The win took Nigeria to seven points after three games, solidifying their position at the top of the table ahead of Benin, who also won 3-0 against Rwanda.
While it wasn't an exciting match, Nigeria will gladly take the three points as they prepare for the return leg in Libya on Monday, 14 October.
Despite the hard-fought victory, here are four key takeaways from the Nigeria vs Libya game in Uyo.
The Super Eagles need to start right off the blocks
It took the Super Eagles nearly ten minutes to settle into the game and register a shot on goal. During that period, the Libyans were able to size them up and disrupt their rhythm.
Several Nigerian players appeared too casual, allowing Libya to close down passing channels and limit Nigeria to safe, backward passes rather than meaningful forward play.
The team also only played in brief bursts, which suited Libya's defensive setup.
This pattern must change, especially against teams that come to Nigeria to defend and counter.
Faster transitions are needed
Watching Nigeria try to build from the back was frustrating, as they often hesitated and failed to execute quick transitions, even when the spaces were available.
Libya’s pressing from midfield caused the Super Eagles to miss out on exploiting the wide areas, which had been the main source of their first-half chances.
The build-up play was too slow and predictable, allowing Libya to close down spaces and block attacking opportunities.
When Nigeria did speed up their play, they created chances for Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon, although neither was able to convert.
The Victor Boniface puzzle needs to be solved
Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface struggled to make an impact and looked isolated for most of the game before being substituted for Taiwo Awoniyi.
Despite his undeniable talent, Boniface has yet to shine in Nigeria’s colours. Coach Austin Eguavoen needs to find a way to help him fit into the team.
Boniface has not scored in nine appearances for Nigeria and has yet to prove himself as a reliable deputy for Victor Osimhen.
Against Libya, he seemed disengaged, although it could be argued that he didn’t receive adequate service from the wings or midfield. This issue with Boniface needs to be resolved, as he clearly has the potential.
Is it time for a midfield change?
Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi have been mainstays in the Super Eagles midfield for about seven years, but their recent performances have been more underwhelming than impactful.
Alongside Frank Onyeka, Ndidi and Iwobi started against Libya but failed to spark much creativity or drive the team forward.
Ndidi’s usual defensive pivot role was unnecessary, as Libya rarely threatened offensively, yet Nigeria’s midfield couldn’t capitalize on this.
When Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika came on, the team looked fresher and more offensive, controlling the midfield better.
Dele-Bashiru eventually scored the winning goal, his second for the Super Eagles, showing great composure to finish from Moses Simon’s assist.
Will Eguavoen take the risk and start Onyedika and Dele-Bashiru in the second leg in Libya?
Only time will tell, but the change might be worth considering.
