Libya coach, Nasser Al-Hadiri says Nigeria remains a potent attacking force despite the absence of star striker Victor Osimhen, who has been ruled out of the 2025 AFCON qualifying double-header.

Libya will face Nigeria in the first leg on October 11, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, with the return-leg scheduled to take place four days later.

Osimhen sustained a muscle injury while playing for his club, Galatasaray, against Kasimpasa, ruling him out of the upcoming fixtures.

However, Nigeria still has other top attacking options, including Victor Boniface and Ademola Lookman, who are expected to lead the line.

Ademola Lookman tries to beat his maker.

“The challenge is not only in facing Nigeria, which has world-class attacking names such as Victor Boniface and Ademola Lookman, but also in dealing with the significant absences within the Libyan squad, which may affect our chances of securing a positive result in this crucial encounter,” Al-Hadiri was quoted as saying by the Libyan outlet Libya Akhbar on Sunday.

Al-Hudayri prepares for his first game as Libya NT head coach.

Libya currently sits at the bottom of Group D with one point from two matches, following a 1-1 draw against Rwanda and a 2-1 loss to Benin Republic in their second game, played in Ivory Coast.

Players of the Libya NT. Photo | dzairsport

Nigeria, on the other hand, leads the group with four points after a win against Benin Republic and a draw against Rwanda.