By Milcah Tanimu
Libya’s head coach, Nasser Al-Hadhiri, has singled out Ademola Lookman as a key player for Nigeria ahead of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The Super Eagles are set to play Libya in a crucial double-header, with the first leg taking place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Friday evening before heading to Benghazi for the return leg on October 15.
Interim Nigeria coach Augustine Eguavoen faces the challenge of missing his star striker, Victor Osimhen, who is absent due to fitness issues. However, Al-Hadhiri dismissed concerns over Osimhen’s absence, claiming that Nigeria has plenty of other top players who can make the difference.
“The Nigerian national team is not depending on one player,” Al-Hadhiri said in a pre-match press conference. “They have a lot of players like Atalanta’s Lookman and others. The absence of Victor Osimhen alone does not make any difference.”
Lookman, who has been a standout for the Super Eagles in 2024, has contributed seven goal involvements in his last thirteen appearances. Al-Hadhiri expressed confidence in his side but acknowledged Nigeria’s overall strength, calling them “the best team in Africa.”
A win in the upcoming double-header will nearly secure Nigeria’s place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
