Libya coach namechecks one Super Eagles player that can make the difference in Osimhen's absence

The Super Eagles are set to face Libya's Mediterranean Knights home and away in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches, with the first leg to hold at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Friday evening before they travel to 
Benghazi for the return leg on October 15.

Interim Nigeria coach Augustine Eguavoen will be without his marquee center forward Victor Osimhen who lost his fitness battle to make the 23-man squad. 

Eguavoen has called up three center forwards for the October internationals, namely Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface and Taiwo Awoniyi.

Libya manager Nasser Al-Hadhiri has insisted that the absence of Victor Osimhen is not a big loss for Nigeria as they have other players in their arsenal capable of making the difference without the reigning African Footballer of the Year in the squad. 

Nasser Al-Hadhiri namechecked Ballon d'Or nominee Ademola Lookman as he spoke glowingly about the Nigeria squad.

Speaking through an interpreter, Nasser Al-Hadhiri  told reporters at the pre-match press conference: "The Nigerian national team is not depending on one player, the whole team of Nigeria is strong not just an individual, it's the best team in Africa.

"They have a lot of players like Atalanta's Lookman and others. The whole players are world-class so the absence of Victor Osimhen alone does not make any difference.

"I know that Victor Osimhen is the best player in Africa but he does not make any difference for them." 

Lookman has earned himself a reputation as the talisman for the Super Eagles since the start of 2024, registering seven goal involvements in his last thirteen appearances. 

Nigeria will almost be qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations if they beat Libya in the upcoming double-header.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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