'A large number'- Libya coach worried about fitness of his players before Afconq against Super Eagles

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday before the team's departure to Uyo, Libya coach Nasser Al-Hadiri expressed concerns about the fitness of his players ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against the Super Eagles.

Libya will take on Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Friday, October 11, while the reverse fixture will take place at Martyrs of February Stadium, Benghazi on October 15.

Nasser Al-Hadiri initially summoned twenty-eight players for the double-header against Nigeria but has been forced to make some changes to his squad traveling to Uyo on Sunday owing to fitness issues. 

To fill the gap left by unavailable players, Nasser Al-Hadiri has handed call-ups to Al-Tahadi defender Mohammed Khalil, Al-Nasr midfielder Abdullah Abdul Rahim, Al-Akhdar winger Faraj Ghaidan and Osama Balaid.

"A large number of players are not fully fit, and this will cause major problems," he told reporters.

“We hope that the physical presence of the national team members will help me, and we will achieve a positive result in Nigeria."

The Nigeria Football Federation announced a 23-man squad on Saturday evening for the two matches with Lbya.

Super Eagles interim boss Augustine Eguavoen will not be able to count on the services of his marquee center forward Victor Osimhen and Orlando Pirates central defender Olisa Ndah due to injuries. 

The Super Eagles lead Group D of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with four points after a convincing victory over Benin's Cheetahs and a goalless draw against Rwanda's Wasps, whereas Libya are currently at the bottom of the table with one point.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: mos.gov.ly

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