Nigeria vs Libya: Coach Al-Hadiri names Barcelona talent, Al-Ittihad stars in squad for Super Eagles

Libya head coach Nasser Al-Hadiri has announced his 28-man squad for the crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against Nigeria, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Mediterranean Knights, who currently sit bottom of Group D, are in need of a strong showing in these matches to revive their qualification hopes.

Among the key players included in the squad are Barcelona B’s Ahmed Al-Masmari, Al-Ittihad star Abdul-Miser Abu Shaibab, and Al-Nasr’s Mohammed Al-Tabbal.

Al-Hadiri has stuck with many of the regulars who have been pivotal to the national team, despite their current struggles.

Here’s the Libya squad for AFCON Qualifiers in October.

Ahmed Elmsmari (FC Barcelona U18 ) is in again, and we hope to see him this time.

Mohammed Al-Shiteewi (Al-Hilal Benghazi )
Al Bahlul Bousahmin (Al-Ahli Benghazi )
Ezzeddin El Maremi (Al-Hilal Benghazi… pic.twitter.com/aRm0prokE7— The International Window (@windowintlpod) September 27, 2024

Libya’s squad boasts a mix of domestic-based talents and foreign-based players, including Al-Masmari, who plies his trade with Barcelona’s B team.

The 28-man roster also features players from top Libyan clubs such as Al-Ahly Benghazi, Al-Hilal, and Al-Nasr.

Coach Nasser Al-Hadiri, who recently took charge following the dismissal of Milutin Sredojević “Micho,” expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to bounce back.

He has appointed former international player Abu Bakr Al-Hark as his assistant and former goalkeeper Misbah Shanqab as the goalkeeping coach.

The first match of the double-header is set to take place on Friday, October 11, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria.

Four days later, Libya will host the Super Eagles in Benina. Nigeria top Group D with four points, while Libya has only managed to secure one point from their first two matches.

The Mediterranean Knights face a tough task against a Nigerian side eager to consolidate their place at the top of the group.

Al-Hadiri’s men will need to be at their best to overcome the challenge posed by the three-time African champions.

Squad List:

1. Murad Al-Wahishi (Al-Ahly Benghazi),
2. Abdul Jawad Rizq (Al-Nasr),
3. Mohammed Ayyad (Abu Salim),
4. Ahmed Ayyad (Al-Tahadi),
5. Ali Youssef (Al-Afriqi Al-Tunisi),
6. Ahmed Saleh (Al-Akhdar),
7. Ahmed Al-Tarbi (Al-Ahly Tripoli),
8. Magdy Mustafa Artiba (Al-Akhdar),
9. Sobhi Al-Mabrouk Al-Dawi (Al-Ittihad),
10. Mahdi Al-Kut (Al-Akhdar),
11. Mohammed Al-Shtiwi (Al-Hilal),
12. Sand Bin Ali (Al-Nasr),
13. Al-Bahlol Abu Sahmain (Al-Ahly Benghazi),
14. Badr Hassan (Al-Nasr),
15. Suhaib Bin Suleiman (Al-Ahly Benghazi),
16. Faisal Al-Badri (Al-Hilal),
17. Muhannad Mustafa Al-Mabrouk (Al-Madina),
18. Osama Al-Sharimi (Al-Suwaihli),
19. Omar Al-Khoja (Al-Suwaihli),
20. Nour Al-Din Al-Qalib (Al-Ahly Tripoli),
21. Ahmed Saad (Al-Hilal),
22. Mohammed Al-Tabbal (Al-Nasr),
23. Fadel Salama (Al-Ahly Benghazi),
24. Ahmed Al-Masmari (Barcelona B, Spain),
25. Ezz El-Din Al-Mariami (Al-Hilal),
26. Moaz Issa (Al-Ittihad),
27. Ahmed Karaoua (Al-Ahly Tripoli),
28. Abdul-Miser Abu Shaiba (Al-Ittihad).