Fatshimetrie, Super Eagles coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has expressed immense relief after beating Libya’s Mediterranean Knights in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers by a goal. In the euphoria of the victory, Eguavoen stressed that he expected his players to score more goals.
The match ended in a goalless draw in the first half until Dele Bashiru came to the rescue with a goal in the 87th minute of the second half. Eguavoen mentioned that the Mediterranean Knights’ tactics denied his team goals as they adopted a defensive approach throughout the first half.
Nevertheless, the coach thanked God for the win that saw the team claim all three points, putting the Super Eagles top of Group D with seven points. He acknowledged that his players played well, adding that if it had not been for the opposition’s defensive tactics, more goals would have been scored.
“The emotions were high, and when the goal came, it was a huge relief. In reality, we should have scored more goals, but the tactics they deployed were compact, defending in numbers when the ball was in their area. We were a bit slow in the first half, but the boys raised their game in the second half and the ball circulation became quicker as requested. The last 25 minutes were better,” Eguavoen said.
Eguavoen has promised to review his strategy and put together a stronger team for the return leg in Libya next Tuesday. Super Eagles captain William Ekong has assured fans in Uyo that the team will qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco. He added that the players will be more clinical in their approach to the game in Libya.
The win represents a significant step forward for the Super Eagles in their quest to qualify for the next Africa Cup of Nations. They will need to continue to work hard and stay focused to secure their place among the best nations on the continent.