Fisayo Dele-Bashiru made a significant impact off the bench, leading Nigeria to a 1-0 victory against Libya in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers held in Uyo on Friday.
The Mediterranean Knights spent the majority of the match on the defensive, struggling to maintain control against the Nigerian side.
The victory propels the Super Eagles to the top of Group D with 7 points, ahead of Benin Republic with 6 points, Rwanda with 2 points, and Libya with 1 point.
Dele-Bashiru, who came on for Alex Iwobi in the 74th minute, found the net in the 86th minute, skillfully finishing a low cross delivered by Moses Simon.
The goal from the Lazio player shattered the North Africans’ resilience, as they resorted to various tactics, including time-wasting, in an effort to thwart the Eagles’ advances.
Prior to that goal, the referee disallowed a strike from Ademola Lookman for offside, a call that sparked protests from some fans in the stands.
The Nigerian team controlled the match from the opening whistle to the final moments, in a contest where scoring opportunities were scarce.
Coach Austin Eguavoen chose to field a three-man frontline featuring Victor Boniface, Ademola Lookman, and Moses Simon, filling in for the injured Victor Osimhen.
Simon took the place of Samuel Chukwueze, who had started in the previous two matches for the Eagles against the Libyan side.
Before that goal, Ademola Lookman had a strike ruled out for offside by the referee, a decision that drew protests from some fans in the stadium.
The Nigerian team dominated the game from start to finish, yet found it challenging to convert chances into goals.
Coach Austin Eguavoen opted for a three-pronged attack consisting of Victor Boniface, Ademola Lookman, and Moses Simon, stepping in for the sidelined Victor Osimhen.
Simon replaced Samuel Chukwueze, who had been a starter in the Eagles’ last two encounters against the Libyans.
