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Nigeria Vs Libya: When Is The AFCON Qualifier & Where Can You Watch?

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2025 AFCON qualifier between Nigeria and Libya | fab.ng

Libya will look to revive their hopes of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). They will take on three-time African champions, Nigeria away from home in the 2025 AFCON qualifier.

The Mediterranean Knights started their campaign with a shaky performance, managing only a 1-1 draw against Rwanda after taking an early lead at Tripoli Stadium. They then suffered a 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic in Abidjan, where, like the match against Rwanda, they scored first but couldn’t hold their advantage.

Now, with a new coach at the helm, Libya will aim to stop the Super Eagles, who currently top Group D. Augustine Eguavoen’s squad remains unbeaten, having secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Gernot Rohr’s Cheetahs and a goalless draw with Rwanda.

Nigeria heads into this fixture with confidence, having won all four of their previous encounters against Libya. Their last clash was a thrilling 3-2 victory on October 16, 2018, in Sfax, Tunisia.

Fab.ng has all the key details about the 2025 AFCON qualifier, including how to watch the match and information on the referees.

When is the AFCON qualifier?

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will clash with Rwanda’s national women’s team in a highly anticipated football match on Friday, October 11, with kickoff set precisely for 18:00 Central European Time.

Where to Watch the Game

Date: October 11, 2024

Time: 6 PM Central European Time

Channels: SuperSport, AfroSport

Nigeria Squad

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, Amas Obasogie

Defenders: William Ekong, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Olaoluwa Aina, Benjamin Tanimu

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi

Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze, Chidera Ejuke, Ademola Lookman, Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface, Moses Simon, Taiwo Awoniyi

Libya Squad

Goalkeepers: Murad Al-Wuheeshi, Abdeljawad Hameida, Mohamed Ayad, Mohamed Darebi

Defenders: Ahmed El Trbi, Ali Yousef, Subhi Al-Dhawi, Mehdi Al-Kout, Majdi Erteiba, Sanad Bin Ali, Ahmed Saleh, Mohammed Al-Shiteewi, Al Bahlul Bousahmin

Midfielders: Faisal Al Badri, Abdussalam Tubal, Omar Al Khouja, Suhaib Shafshuf, Bader Hassan, Muhanad Madyen, Osamah Al-Shuraimi, Nouraldin Al-Qulaib, Ahmed Saad

Strikers: Ahmed Krawa’a, Mouath Eissa, Fadel Ali Salama, Abdulmuyassir Boushibah, Ezzeddin El Maremi, Ahmed Elmsmari

Match Venue

Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo (Akwa Ibom International Stadium)

What has been said?

Semi Ajayi stressed the need for a win against Libya, saying the Super Eagles are determined to prevail.

“We know how important the match is for us, and we’ve worked hard to expect a win. Yes, we’re prepared, we’re determined, and we’re looking forward to getting the three points on Friday,” he told the media.

William Troost-Ekong, the MVP of the 2023 AFCON held in Cote d’Ivoire, has expressed a similar sentiment to Semi Ajayi, emphasizing the Super Eagles’ determination to win against Libya.

He said, We want to be at the AFCON next year. We cannot afford to miss the tournament in Morocco. 

“We’re working hard – players, coaches, officials, everyone – and we hope to achieve our dream.”

Match Officials

Referee: Godfrey Philip Nkhakananga (Malawi)

Assistant Referees: Mahmoud Abouelregal (Malawi), Ahmad Hossam Taha (Malawi)

Fourth Official: Keabetswe Dintwa (Botswana)

Match Commissioner: Munkaila Nassam Adam (Ghana)

Referee Assessor: Issaka Boubacar (Niger Republic)

For more sports updates, check here.

SPORTS

Arsenal Star Martin Odegaard Back In Training Ahead Of Champions League

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Martin Odegaard back ahead of Champions League | fab.ng

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, 25, is back in full training after a two-month absence due to an ankle injury, the Premier League club announced on Tuesday.

In September, Odegaard sustained the injury during the second half of Norway’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Austria. The setback had kept him on the sidelines, leaving a gap in Arsenal’s midfield.

With Arsenal gearing up for a crucial Champions League clash against Inter Milan on Wednesday, Odegaard’s return is a timely boost.

His presence in training raises hopes for his potential involvement in the upcoming game and strengthens the squad’s morale.

The talented midfielder brings vision and creativity, elements Arsenal have missed during his absence.

As Arsenal continues its Champions League campaign, Odegaard’s return adds depth to the team, promising to enhance their midfield options and overall strategy.

Fans and teammates alike are eagerly anticipating his full recovery and a possible return to match action soon, as he aims to contribute to Arsenal’s goals both domestically and in Europe.

“Our skipper has been out of action for two months… and missed our subsequent 12 matches, but he joined in with the rest of our squad ahead of our Champions League trip to Inter Milan,” the club said in a statement.

The club announced that Odegaard, who had previously missed only a few games over the last three seasons, is now closer to a first-team return.

Arsenal currently hold ninth place in the Champions League standings after three matches, while Inter, also with seven points, are positioned seventh.

Check out more sports updates here.

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SPORTS

Kano Pillars’ Usman Abdallah Urges Inclusion Of In-Form Musa In Nigeria’s CHAN Squad

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Usman Abdallah urges inclusion of Musa in Nigeria’s CHAN | fab.ng

Kano Pillars head coach, Usman Abdallah (50), is making a strong case for the inclusion of veteran winger Ahmed Musa (32) in Nigeria’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) squad.

This push comes after Musa’s return to his boyhood club Kano Pillars for a third stint. The move followed the termination of his contract by Turkish Super Lig team Sivasspor. Notably, Musa rejoined his international teammate Shehu Abdullahi at the Nigerian club.

Since returning to Pillars, Musa has experienced a career revival. His standout performances have been a key factor in the team’s success. In just three games, he already racked up an impressive four goals. His latest strike contributed to a crucial 2-1 victory over former champions Plateau United at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Sunday.

In a recent interview, coach Usman Abdallah actively advocated for Musa’s inclusion in the national team. He specifically emphasized the importance of the player’s experience for the upcoming CHAN qualifiers against Ghana. Abdallah believes Musa’s presence would be critical for the country’s B team.

“Technically, he’s eligible to play for the CHAN team now that he’s a locally based player. Whether he chooses to participate, however, is a different matter,” said the former Nigeria assistant coach.

“The CHAN team consists primarily of players from the local league, and Musa’s experience would be invaluable to the squad, as the strength of the CHAN team reflects the quality of the Nigerian league.

“Even if he’s not part of the squad, with the way things are progressing in the NPFL, we’ll still build a very strong team.”

The African Nations Championship (CHAN) is a CAF tournament exclusively for players who participate in their respective domestic leagues. The competition’s primary goal is to showcase the talent of homegrown players from each participating nation.

Ahead of the league match against Plateau United, coach Abdallah hailed the return of Musa and Shehu Abdullahi to the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) as a “revolution for Nigerian football.”

He stated,

“This is a welcome development for just for Kano Pillars but also for the Nigeria Professional Football League, because it has risen the standard of the league and this will also encourage players of the senior national team to return home so that we raise the quality and improve the local players at home.

“As you can see, 95% of the current Super Eagles squad are composed of foreign-based professionals and you see the ones playing at home are sometimes not called upon, unlike what we have in North and Southern African countries.

“I will say their coming is a revolution for Nigerian football that will open the door to see and follow up so that our league can be very competitive again and where it used to be in Africa.”

Recently, there has been a notable trend in Nigerian football. The former international players and those currently playing abroad returning to the NPFL in various capacities.

For instance, Arsenal legend Nwankwo Kanu now serves as the chairman of Enyimba. Other notable figures like Finidi George, Emmanuel Amuneke, and Daniel Amokachi have taken on roles at Rivers United, Heartland, and Lobi Stars, respectively.

According to Usman Abdallah,

“Education is crucial because modern football relies heavily on knowledge. In the 21st century, everything revolves around understanding, so it’s essential to enhance the skills of our coaches,” he added.

“I’m pleased with this season’s league because nearly all the top coaches and former internationals have returned. The likes of Finidi (George), (Emmanuel) Amuneke, Imama (Amapakabo), (Daniel) Amokachi, and my humble self. 

“Everyone has returned now because the league is no longer just about competition; it’s focused on improving its quality. 

“We need to elevate our standards, as football today is driven by knowledge. I’m pleased to see this progress in our coaching.”

Kano Pillars are the favourites to clinch the league title. They currently find themselves in eighth place with 14 points from 10 matches. Despite this unexpected position, the coach remains unfazed by any pressure.

He continued,

“I am not feeling any pressure to succeed at Kano Pillars. The fans are eager for the club’s pride to return, and everyone is committed to ensuring we’re at the top.

“I am keen to perform well. And I assure you that I haven’t experienced that level of pressure yet because we’re not doing poorly at the moment.”

Kano Pillars’ next match is an away game against Bendel Insurance at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Saturday.

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FOREIGN

World Number One Jannik Sinner Withdraws From The ATP Rolex Paris Masters 2024

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Jannik Sinner withdraws from Paris Masters 2024 | fab.ng

Tournament organizers announced on Tuesday that world number one Jannik Sinner (23) will not participate in the Paris Masters indoor event due to health issues.

The 23-year-old tennis star, who secured his position as year-end world number one in mid-October, suffers from an “intestinal virus contracted before he arrived in Paris.” French player Arthur Cazaux has moved up from qualifying to take Sinner’s place in the tournament draw.

Cazaux will compete against either fellow Frenchman Corentin Moutet or American Ben Shelton in his second-round match on Tuesday.

Sinner now focuses on the upcoming Masters in Turin, scheduled for November 10-17, which will feature the year’s top eight players. The Italian champion plans to defend his country’s title at the Davis Cup finals the following week in Malaga, Spain.

The tennis star has dominated the 2024 season, claiming his first two Grand Slam victories at the Australian Open and the US Open. His impressive performance includes seven tournament wins since the season began, with three Masters 1000 titles in Miami, Cincinnati, and Shanghai.

Recent developments have cast a shadow over Sinner’s achievements, as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has filed an appeal that could result in his suspension. The doping case emerged several weeks ago and remains unresolved.

Sinner’s relationship with the Paris indoor tournament has proven complicated. Last year, he withdrew from the competition before his second match, establishing a pattern that continues with this year’s withdrawal.

This latest setback interrupts what has otherwise been a remarkable year for the young Italian player, who has firmly established himself among tennis’s elite competitors through his consistent performances and major tournament victories.

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