Libya’s national team coach, Nasser Al-Hadiri, has made it clear that he is not under pressure to win against Nigeria in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Al-Hadiri, who previously served as an assistant coach under Spanish coach Javier Clemente in 2014, has since developed a solid coaching reputation.

He took over the team after Serbian coach Milutin Sredojević, who was dismissed after Libya’s 2-1 defeat to Benin in the qualifiers.

Milutin Sredojevic. (Photo: ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP via Getty Images)

With Libya sitting at the bottom of the group without a win, the coach is determined to turn things around.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Thursday, Al-Hadiri dismissed any concerns about feeling pressure in his new role, expressing his confidence and belief in Libya’s ability to spring a surprise against the Super Eagles.

Libya NT head coach, Nasser Al-Hadiri (L) during the press conference ahead of their AFCON 2025 Qualifier against Nigeria in Uyo. Photo | Brila

“Any coach coming from assistant to be the head, has nothing to worry about because he already has the experience.

“Nigeria national team is a very big team so I’m not feeling the pressure of coming from the assistant coach to be the head coach.”

“Saudi Arabia in the world cup won the Argentina national team even with Messi and all their best players, Saudi Arabia won them. So we can pull out a surprise here”

The game is scheduled for 5pm Nigerian time this Friday, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

Looking ahead to the reverse fixture in Libya, Al-Hadiri acknowledged that while a win in Nigeria may be unlikely, his team would be ready to make up for it on home soil.

“We don’t stand a chance to win it here but when we get to Libya we will make sure to correct our errors and have a very good result at home.”

Libya will aim to improve their standings in the group, starting with their crucial encounter against Nigeria, with the hope of a better outcome in the second leg four days later in Libya.