Fisayo Dele-Bashiru scores last gasp winner to secure all three points for Eagles in Uyo

NIGERIA'S Super Eagles managed to grab all three points in today's African Nations Cup qualifier against Libya which took place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo thanks to a last gasp winner from Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.

In the first of a double header over the coming week, the Eagles were able to go home with maximum points thanks to the 86th minute goal. Despite dominating the game from the kick off whistle, the Eagles were unable to break down the stubborn Libyans who more or less defended with 11 men throughout the game.

Dele-Bashiru came off the bench to sink the hearts of the Mediterranean Knights, who thought they had done enough to go back to Libya with a point. Nigeria's Super Eagles now have seven points from their three qualifiers so far and now Libya will host Nigeria at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Benghazi on Tuesday October 15.

Earlier today, in the 10th minute, Alex Iwobi had a chance from close range as he got to a rebound in the box and fired a shot at goal but the Libyan goalkeeper Murad Al Wuheesi kept him out. Then, in the 16th minute, Frank Onyeka set up Victor Boniface in the area but the striker had a defender take the ball off his feet before he could pull the trigger.

William Troost-Ekong had the next big opportunity as he got on the end of a rebound following a save from the Libyan goalkeeper. Unfortunately, he only managed to boot his shot high and wide despite being less than two meters away from goal.

For the rest of the first half, the Super Eagles huffed and puffed but they failed to score. Nigeria then started the second half on the front foot, taking the game to the Libyans and probing their stubborn backline.

In the 56th minute, Iwobi had a glorious opportunity after getting on the end of a cross from Bruno Onyemaechi but his scuffed header just drifted wide. Three minutes later, Iwobi got another big opportunity in the box after latching on to a knockdown but he failed to connect with the ball properly and his shot flew wide off the target.

Desperate for a goal, coach Augustine Eguavoen took off Onyeka and introduced Chukwueze in the 62nd minute. He also brought Dele-Bashiru into the mix, sacrificing Iwobi in the 74th minute and both moves added some bite to Nigeria’s attack.

In the 83rd minute, Lookman put the ball in the net after a brilliant give-and-go with Chukwueze but the goal was ruled out for offside. However, upon the replay, the Atalanta star was actually onside but as VAR was not in use, the action was not called back and the goal was not given.

Nonetheless, the Super Eagles were not to be denied as they eventually got their goal in the 86th minute. Moses Simon created some space on the left side of Nigeria’s attack after some lovely foot work and then sent a cross into the box, which Dele-Bashiru latched on to and struck a well-placed shot into the net.