Libya’s national football team, the Mediterranean Knights, has announced a 28-man squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against Nigeria.
Head coach Nasser Al-Hadiri has opted for a mix of domestic and foreign-based players, with the aim of reviving Libya’s qualification hopes. The team currently sits bottom of Group D, with only one point from their first two matches.
Among the key players included in the squad is Ahmed Al-Masmari, who plays for Barcelona’s B team. Al-Masmari is expected to bring his European experience to the table, as Libya seeks to upset the Super Eagles.
Other notable inclusions are Abdul-Miser Abu Shaibab from Al-Ittihad and Mohammed Al-Tabbal from Al-Nasr. The duo is expected to provide the much-needed firepower upfront.
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The squad also features players from top Libyan clubs such as Al-Ahly Benghazi, Al-Hilal, and Al-Nasr.
Coach Al-Hadiri has shown faith in his domestic-based players, who have been instrumental in the team’s recent performances.
Al-Hadiri expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to bounce back, saying, “We have a strong team, and we are ready to face Nigeria.”
He also announced the appointment of former international player Abu Bakr Al-Hark as his assistant and former goalkeeper Misbah Shanqab as the goalkeeping coach.
The first match takes place on October 11 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria. Libya hosts the Super Eagles in Benina four days later.
Nigeria tops Group D with four points, while Libya has only secured one point from their first two matches.
The Mediterranean Knights face a daunting task against three-time African champions Nigeria.
Goalkeepers: Murad Al-Wahishi, Abdul Jawad Rizq, Mohammed Ayyad
Defenders: Ahmed Ayyad, Ali Youssef, Ahmed Saleh, Magdy Mustafa Artiba
Midfielders: Sobhi Al-Mabrouk Al-Dawi, Mahdi Al-Kut, Mohammed Al-Shtiwi
Forwards: Ahmed Al-Masmari, Abdul-Miser Abu Shaiba, Mohammed Al-Tabbal
The upcoming matches between Nigeria and Libya will be crucial in determining the fate of both teams in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. Libya seeks to revive their qualification hopes, while Nigeria aims to consolidate their position at the top of Group D.
The stage is set for an exciting clash between two teams desperate for victory. Will Libya’s strong squad be enough to upset the Super Eagles, or will Nigeria’s experience and firepower prove too much to handle?
