As the race for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco heats up, Super Eagles coach Austin Eguavoen has set a clear goal: to secure six points from this month’s double-header against Libya’s Mediterranean Knights in Group D.

Nigeria will host the first game at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday evening. The return leg will take place at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium, 19 kilometers from Benghazi, Libya, on Tuesday night.

“We have to be practical about it. Our best and surest route to the finals is to pick up six points from the matches with Libya and be somewhat guaranteed a place in Morocco even before Matchday 5. We don’t want to be in any anxiety in the run-in for this qualifying campaign,” Eguavoen explained.

Despite the absence of star striker Victor Osimhen, Eguavoen remains confident in his team’s ability. “I believe in the other strikers available to get us the goals that will give us the three points in Uyo and the three points in Libya.”

Currently, Nigeria leads the group with four points from two matches, one point ahead of Benin Republic and two ahead of Rwanda. A double win over Libya would push Nigeria to 10 points, putting them in a strong position to qualify for AFCON 2025.

The Super Eagles squad has been gathering in Uyo. 20 of the 23 invited players are already in training, while defender Bright Osayi-Samuel and forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and Chidera Ejuke joined on Wednesday morning.

Eguavoen emphasized the importance of securing the ticket to AFCON before the final round of games. “There are possibilities and opportunities for us to sail through at the end of these two matches, and we will do our best to take our chances.”

Libya’s team arrived in Nigeria on Tuesday, landing at Port Harcourt International Airport before making their way to Uyo.