The Super Eagles, under interim manager Augustine Eguavoen, secured a crucial 1-0 win Friday evening against Libya, keeping their AFCON 2025 qualification hopes.
Despite a dominant attacking display, Nigeria managed to find the back of the net only once, leaving Eguavoen ruing his team’s profligacy in front of goal.
“Emotions were high, and when the goal came, it was a huge relief,” said Eguavoen, as quoted by News Diary.
“Actually, we should have scored more goals but the tactics that they deployed was compact as they defended in numbers when the ball was in their area.
“We were a bit slow in the first half, but the boys picked up in the second half and ball circulation became faster as instructed. The last 25 minutes was better.”
The 59-year-old manager, who took charge of the team last month after talks between the Nigerian Football Federation and German tactician Bruno Labbadia ended unsuccessfully, has been leading the Super Eagles through a critical period.
Eguavoen set his team up in an aggressive attacking formation against Libya, but missed opportunities almost cost them dearly.
This comes as a recurring theme for the Super Eagles, as their previous matches in September included a win over the Republic of Benin and a 1-1 draw away to Rwanda.
However, the single goal was enough for Nigeria to edge past Libya and inch closer to securing their place in the AFCON 2025 tournament.
As three-time AFCON champions, Nigeria are keen to add another title to their illustrious history.
Nigeria’s next challenge will be the return fixture against Libya, set for Tuesday at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Benghazi.