The Story
Ahead of Nigeria’s 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya, Super Eagles defender Bright Osayi-
Samuel has been ruled out due to an ankle injury. The team will face Libya in a doubleheader in
October. With injuries to key players like Bright Osayi-Samuel, Nigeria may face some
defensive vulnerabilities although bright might be replaced by Benjamin Tanimu, a defender
from Crawley Town. Injuries have repeatedly hindered Nigeria’s AFCON campaigns. In 2019,
the loss of Abdullahi Shehu and John Obi Mikel weakened the team’s defense and leadership,
contributing to their semifinal exit against Algeria. During the 2017 qualifiers, the absence of
Leon Balogun and Carl Ikeme destabilized the defense, costing Nigeria qualification. Similarly,
in 2015, injuries to Victor Moses and Ogenyi Onazi left the team without creativity and balance,
leading to another qualification failure. These injuries have consistently disrupted Nigeria's
tactical plans and impacted their AFCON ambitions. These recurring issues have contributed to
Nigeria’s strong performances but ultimate failures in securing additional AFCON titles.
The Track Record
It is important to note that out of the 34 editions of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) since its
inception in 1957. Nigeria has won the tournament three times: in 1980, 1994, and 2013.
Nigeria's inability to convert more of these final appearances into titles has often been linked to
factors such as coaching Instability which involves frequent changes in coaching staff,
sometimes before major tournaments, have disrupted team cohesion and strategies just like in
2002 AFCON final, Nigeria's coach Shuaibu Amodu was replaced despite leading the team to
the tournament. Internal issues like unpaid player bonuses, administrative disagreements and off
course strong Opponents but the major concern amongst Nigerians are player’s injuries. Nigeria
has faced tough competition in the finals, including losses to powerhouse teams like Cameroon
and Algeria.
Mediterranean Knights: A Short Night
Libya has not been a major force in the Africa Cup of Nations since they have only reached the
final once, in 1982, when they hosted the tournament and lost to Ghana in a penalty shootout.
Since then, Libya has had limited success, struggling to qualify or advance far in the
competition. Unlike top African teams such as Nigeria, Egypt, or Cameroon, Libya has largely
been considered a team posing occasional challenges but not consistently dominating or being a
major threat in AFCON tournaments.
