Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has shared his thoughts on Nigeria’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Libya in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier, held on Friday. The match, which took place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, saw Nwabali and his teammates put in a strong performance to secure all three points.
Nwabali, who currently plays for Chippa United in South Africa, was pivotal in Nigeria’s win, keeping a clean sheet against the determined Libyan side. His calm presence in goal ensured that the Super Eagles maintained their defensive solidity throughout the match, giving Nigeria their second win in the group stage of the AFCON qualifiers.
The only goal of the game came from midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, whose strike was enough to secure the 1-0 victory for Nigeria. Dele-Bashiru, playing in his first major tournament for the national team, found the back of the net after a well-worked move that left the Libyan defense scrambling. His goal brought relief to the home fans, who were eager to see their team get back to winning ways after a draw in their previous qualifier.
With this victory, Nigeria now sits at the top of Group D with seven points from three matches, positioning themselves well for qualification to the 2025 AFCON tournament. Under the guidance of head coach Austin Eguavoen, the Super Eagles have shown resilience and determination, as they look to make a strong push to secure their spot in the tournament, which will take place in Morocco.
Following the match, Stanley Nwabali took to social media to express his satisfaction with the team’s performance. On his X (formerly Twitter) account, he praised his teammates for their efforts and celebrated his clean sheet with a tweet that read, “Cony man die cony man bury am. Great team performance and clean sheet.” His post was met with applause from fans, who appreciated his contribution to the team’s success.
Nwabali’s clean sheet is particularly impressive, considering the pressure that comes with representing Nigeria on the international stage. The Super Eagles are one of the most successful teams in African football history, and expectations are always high whenever they take the field. For Nwabali, this match marked another opportunity to prove his worth and cement his place in the squad as a reliable goalkeeper.
Nigeria’s defense, led by Nwabali, stood firm against a Libyan side that was determined to break down their resistance. Despite Libya’s best efforts, the Super Eagles backline remained solid, limiting the North African team’s opportunities and ensuring that they left Uyo without a goal.
This victory is a crucial step for Nigeria as they aim to secure qualification for the 2025 AFCON. With two wins and a draw in their opening three matches, the Super Eagles are now in a strong position to advance from their group. However, the team knows that there is still work to be done in the remaining qualifiers, with tough matches ahead.
Austin Eguavoen, who returned to the national team as head coach earlier this year, has been praised for his leadership and ability to get the best out of his players. Under his guidance, the Super Eagles have developed a strong team spirit and tactical discipline, which was evident in their performance against Libya.
Eguavoen’s decision to stick with Nwabali in goal has also proven to be a wise choice. The goalkeeper’s composure and shot-stopping abilities have been key to Nigeria’s defensive stability, and his clean sheet against Libya is a testament to his growing confidence at the international level.
While Nwabali and the Super Eagles celebrated their victory, they remain focused on the challenges ahead. The road to AFCON qualification is always competitive, and Nigeria will need to maintain their momentum as they prepare for their next set of matches. With strong performances like the one against Libya, the Super Eagles have shown that they are more than capable of rising to the occasion.
For now, Nigeria’s attention will turn to their next AFCON qualifier, where they will look to build on their position at the top of Group D. The team’s supporters, who have been vocal in their backing of the squad, will be hoping for another strong showing as the Super Eagles continue their journey towards the 2025 AFCON.
As for Stanley Nwabali, his performance against Libya will undoubtedly boost his confidence as he looks to establish himself as a key figure in Nigeria’s squad. His clean sheet, combined with his social media post praising the team, has only strengthened his bond with fans and teammates alike. If he continues to perform at this level, Nwabali could become a mainstay in the Super Eagles’ lineup for years to come.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Libya in the 2025 AFCON qualifier was a significant achievement for the Super Eagles, who now lead Group D. Stanley Nwabali’s clean sheet and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s winning goal were the standout moments in a match that highlighted the team’s resilience and determination. With qualification now within reach, Nigeria will look to carry this momentum into their upcoming matches as they continue their quest for AFCON glory.
