Nigeria v Libya: Knights replace Micho with Al-Hadhiri as Super Eagles clash looms in AFCON 2025 qualifiers

With barely two weeks until Libya’s crucial AFCON 2025 qualifier against Nigeria, the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has named Nasser Al-Hadhiri as the new head coach of the Mediterranean Knights, Soccernet.ng reports.

The appointment comes after the dismissal of Serbian coach Milutin Sredojević, known as Micho, following Libya’s disappointing 2-1 defeat to Benin in the second round of qualifiers, as per the Libya Observer.

Al-Hadhiri, who previously served as assistant coach under Spaniard Javier Clemente during his stint with the Libyan national team in 2014, will be assisted by Abu Bakr Al-Harak, while Misbah Shangab takes on the role of goalkeeper coach.

The new coaching team faces a significant challenge as Libya sit at the bottom of Group D with only one point, making their path to qualification increasingly difficult.

The first leg of the doubleheader against Nigeria is set to take place on October 7 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, while the return fixture is scheduled for October 15 at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Benghazi, Libya.

The venue, with a capacity of 10,000, features an artificial pitch, which could pose a challenge for the Nigerian team, who are more accustomed to natural grass.

Currently ranked 121st globally and 34th in Africa by FIFA, Libya will need a remarkable turnaround to revive their AFCON campaign.

In contrast, Nigeria sit 39th globally and 6th in Africa, leading Group D with four points from their opening two matches.

Al-Hadhiri’s appointment signals a fresh start for the Mediterranean Knights, but with the formidable Super Eagles up next, the new coach will have to inspire a rapid improvement to keep Libya’s AFCON 2025 hopes alive.