Super Eagles of Nigeria have secured their spot in their TotalEnergies 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following Libya 1-0 win over Rwanda on Thursday evening.
Nigeria will go up against the Cheetahs of Benin tonight, initially needing a point to qualify.
However, Libya’s recent win over Rwanda at Kigali’s Amahoro Stadium has guaranteed Nigeria’s qualification regardless of tonight’s outcome.
Now, the Super Eagles aim to claim the top position in their group. They only need a single point from their remaining matches: an away game against Benin Republic and a home fixture against Rwanda at Uyo’s Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
How Libya Supported Nigeria’s Qualification
Nigeria’s last match in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers was a tight but crucial 1-0 victory over Libya at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s late goal clinched the win, and this victory reignited Nigeria’s qualification campaign after a frustrating 0-0 draw against Rwanda in Kigali on matchday two.
The Forfeited Match Amid Airport Controversy
Nigeria was determined to notch another win against Libya in their doubleheader, but events took an unexpected turn. After arriving at Al Abraq International Airport, the Super Eagles were held there for nearly 16 hours.
CAF stepped in, cancelling the match and conducting an investigation that led to Libya being found at fault.
As a result, Nigeria was awarded three points and three goals by CAF, with Libya fined USD 50,000.
Libya’s Surprise Win Over Rwanda in Kigali
The Mediterranean Knights of Libya, still vying for a place at AFCON 2025, caused a stir by defeating Rwanda in Kigali—a feat Nigeria could not manage in their earlier encounter.
This win not only bolstered Libya’s campaign but also mathematically locked in Nigeria’s qualification with 10 points, ensuring that neither Rwanda nor Libya could overtake them in the group standings.
With these developments, Nigeria only needs one more point from the upcoming games to secure the group’s top spot.
Libya’s Path to AFCON 2025
Despite their recent troubles with CAF, Libya remains in the running for AFCON qualification. According to a Legit.ng analysis, Libya still has a path to Morocco 2025, though their chances are narrow due to CAF’s penalties that favored Nigeria.
For Libya, every remaining match will be crucial as they fight for a chance to join the AFCON field next year.
