Five things Eagles in Benghazi should be prepared for
On a chartered aeroplane that left the country early on Sunday, the Super Eagles headed for Libya in advance of their Group D 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification match against the Mediterranean Knights on Tuesday at Benina Stadium, which is only ten kilometres from Benghazi.
The team's original intention was to fly into Tripoli and then take a car trip to Benghazi, but they changed course to save unneeded stress. Rather, they took a chartered jet to Benghazi, stopping briefly in Kano on route.
Remember that on Friday in Uyo, the AFCON finalists defeated Libya 1-0. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru's goal in the 87th minute prevented embarrassment for the Nigerians and maintained their position atop their group.
The following five scenarios are what Augustine Eguavoen's squad needs to avoid in order to escape the 10,000-seat Benina Stadium unscathed.
Unfair Officiating
Ademola Lookman's legitimate goal was disallowed for offside on Friday, and the Atalanta forward was also denied a penalty earlier in the match, making the Super Eagles victims of this even on their own turf.
Given that this is standard procedure for North African teams, Nigeria should expect more of it during the trip.
Knights of the Mediterranean putting pressure on
Despite finishing last on the log, Libya is a respectable team that wilfully presses the ball. Their first-leg performance demonstrates their capacity to consistently put the Williams Troost-Ekong Super Eagles defenders on the defensive back foot.
Their desperation is disturbingly strong because they are last in the standings. For them, winning versus Nigeria is just as important as earning a spot in the championship game in Morocco the following year.
Anger-Stricken Group
In addition to their unceasing cheers, North African supporters are known for making visiting teams feel uneasy, effectively acting as the team's 12th player. Their made-up tales of mistreatment in Nigeria, which were clearly intended to inflame feelings in their favour, would serve as gasoline for this.
They gave us a preview of what to anticipate when we travel to Libya. However, we're psychologically ready for their animosity. We are aware that they will want to win," Simon remarked.
We will benefit from this. Therefore, we must adopt a neutral stance. We are quite well-prepared mentally for them.
Head of Libyan FA resigns
One element that can favour or hurt the home team is the abrupt resignation of Abdul Hakim Al-Shalmani, the president of the Libyan Football Federation, on Sunday morning.
Due to the ongoing disputes in the nation's football community, which resulted in Al-Shalmani's resignation, some players declined invites to join the squad. Some players are left at a crossroads by this happening just two days before the game, which can negatively impact their emotional equilibrium.
However, given the mounting calls for his resignation, it might serve as a significant source of inspiration for the group. The development could make the players want to perform extraordinarily in order to drive that point home.
Eagles should, therefore, concentrate on the game, which, considering their background and exposure, they might be able to accomplish.
Initial objectives
Without a question, the home team will go into the game with full force, looking to score goals quickly to gain momentum and buy some much-needed time to secure the much-needed victory. For the course of the game, Stanley Nwabali must be courageous and careful between the sticks and the Ekong-led backline, keeping an eye on things and not expecting the referee to make good calls.
In the absence of the talisman Victor Osimhen, who returned to training on Saturday after a brief injury layoff, the Eagles should aim for early goals to unnerve the hosts. They can do this by hoping that Victor Boniface and Taiwo Awoniyi live up to their reputations on the international scene.
