Libya Coach Expresses Concern Over Missing Stars Ahead of Super Eagles Clash



Libya's head coach, Nasser Al-Hadiri, has voiced concerns over the absence of key players as his team prepares to face Nigeria's Super Eagles in a crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match. With Libya set to battle the formidable Nigerian squad, Al-Hadiri acknowledged that his team is not at the desired level of readiness to face a strong opponent like Nigeria. His comments came during a press conference in Uyo, where the match will be played.

Al-Hadiri revealed that several players missed the team’s initial training sessions, which has disrupted their tactical preparations. "We are aiming to return to Libya with at least a draw after the Super Eagles match. We have not yet reached the required level of readiness to face a strong team like Nigeria," he stated. The coach emphasized that the absence of these players has made it difficult to develop a solid game plan, adding pressure ahead of the important fixture.

The coach also admitted that the team’s form before his arrival was subpar, making his task even more challenging. "The team was not in good shape before I took over," he said. Al-Hadiri’s appointment came after the Libyan Football Federation parted ways with the previous coach, who had failed to secure any points in the first two qualifying matches, leaving Libya at the bottom of Group D.

Despite the obstacles, Al-Hadiri is determined to secure a positive result against Nigeria. He acknowledged that the lack of preparation presents a significant challenge but remains hopeful that his players will rise to the occasion. "This lack of preparation presents an additional challenge for the team, who will need to put in extra effort to secure a positive result away from home. We aim to return with a draw to keep our qualification hopes alive," Al-Hadiri explained.

The match against Nigeria will mark Al-Hadiri's debut as head coach of the Mediterranean Knights. With the stakes high, he faces an uphill battle to turn around Libya's AFCON qualification campaign. The Super Eagles, currently in strong form, pose a formidable challenge, and Libya will need to put in a disciplined performance to avoid defeat.

The Mediterranean Knights held their first training session at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Wednesday evening. As they prepare for the critical encounter, all eyes will be on how Al-Hadiri’s team performs under his leadership in this vital AFCON qualifier.

Post a Comment

0 Comments