Injuries, suspensions and boycott of key stars have forced Libya new coach Nasser Al-Hadari to admit his team are not prepared for Friday’s 2025 AFCON qualifier against Super Eagles in Uyo.
On Friday inside the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, it will be the top team in Group D Nigeria up against the bottom team Libya.
Al-Hadari was not confident.
“We have not yet reached the required level of readiness to face a strong team like Nigeria,” he admitted.
“The team were not in good shape before I took over.
“The absence of several players in our first training sessions has made it difficult to establish a comprehensive tactical plan for the match.
“This lack of preparation presents an additional challenge for the team, who will need to put in extra effort to secure a positive result away from home.
“Our aim is to at least return with a draw to keep our qualification hopes alive.”
In addition to the injured players, Hamdou El-Houni, Sand Al-Warfali and Mohamed Al-Munir have also withdrawn from the squad in protest against the football federation.
Believe him at your own peril
Even Super Eagles are not ready, with our ad hoc coaching staff. That makes two teams not prepared to take on each other.