Libya’s coach Nasser Al-Hadhiri is feeling the pressure as his team prepares for the 2025 AFCON qualifying doubleheader against Nigeria. The first leg is set for Friday, October 11, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

While there was initial excitement over the absence of Nigerian stars Victor Osimhen and Olisa Ndah due to injury, the focus has quickly shifted to the formidable Super Eagles lineup that includes Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface and Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman. Al-Hadhiri has expressed concerns about his team’s ability to handle Nigeria’s world-class attack.

“The challenge lies not only in facing Nigeria’s elite players but also in our own team’s issues, including key absences that could greatly impact our chances,” Al-Hadhiri stated, as reported by Libya Akhbar.

In a recent press conference covered by Libya News 24, Al-Hadhiri lamented the lack of physical readiness and the absence of several players during early training sessions in Tripoli. He acknowledged that this unpreparedness complicates the tactical planning for such a crucial match.

“We have yet to achieve the necessary fitness to compete with a strong opponent like Nigeria. The absence of multiple players during our initial training has made it challenging to develop a cohesive tactical approach. This lack of preparation adds another hurdle as we aim to secure at least a draw and keep our qualification hopes alive,” he explained.

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Injuries have sidelined notable players, including defender Ahmed Al-Tarbi from Ahli Tripoli, Mohammed Al-Tabbal from Al-Nasr, and Ali Youssef from African Club of Tunisia. Furthermore, three players from Al-Ahly Tripoli—Hamdou El-Houni, Sand Al-Warfali, and Mohamed Al-Munir—are boycotting national duties, further straining the team’s morale.

Currently, Libya sits at the bottom of Group D with just one point from two matches: a 1-1 draw against Rwanda and a 2-1 loss to Benin Republic. With pressure mounting, both Al-Hadhiri and Abdulhakim Al-Shalmani, head of the Football Association, are facing criticism over the team’s prolonged struggles in continental competitions.

Despite these challenges, Al-Hadhiri remains cautiously optimistic. “We know winning against Nigeria will be tough, but we aim to return with a draw that can reignite our hopes for qualification,” he said.

Meanwhile, Nigeria leads Group D with four points, thanks to a win over Benin and a goalless draw against Rwanda. Interim coach Augustine Eguavoen recently announced his squad, with players expected to arrive in Uyo on Monday. The second leg of the matchup is scheduled for October 15 at Martyrs of February Stadium in Benghazi, Libya.