Afcon best, rejuvenated midfielder, history maker: 3 Super Eagles players to watch out for v Libya

The Super Eagles will face Libya at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, October 11 on matchday three of the 2025 African Cup of Nations.

The three-time African champions got off to a flying start in their qualification campaign, cruising past Benin Republic's Cheetahs by a 3-0 scoreline at the Nest of Champions during last month's international window.

However, they failed to continue that momentum in their second game against Rwanda as they could only manage a barren draw away in Kigali.

Nonetheless, they top Group D with four points and will look to increase their margins and dispatch Libya, come Friday evening.

Allnigeriasoccer.com takes a look at three players, that'll be at the helm of achieving this common goal:

Wilfred Ndidi

One can say that the Leicester City man is almost untouchable both at club and international level.

To prove this point, coach Enzo Maresca had to rejuvenate his role to bring out his best qualities and transform him from a traditional defensive midfielder to more of a number eight, during his time in the Championship last year.

This transformation has seen him offer just the same amount of quality in attack as he does in defense, and it's almost evident he's becoming world class.

A vital cog in the Super Eagles midfield, his presence just cannot be underestimated as he provides stability in the middle of the park and is the fulcrum upon which his central and attacking midfielders operate.

The Libyan midfield would just have to surprise his presence if they are going to get anything vital from this game.

William Troost-Ekong

A captain who leads by example, the former PAOK defender recently ditched European football for Saudi Pro League and has been a regular for Al-Kholood. 

A defender with a freakishly high amount of aerial threat in the opposition's penalty area, his goalscoring prowess earned him the Most Valuable Player award at the 2023 African Cup of Nations held earlier this year in Cote d'Ivoire, scoring three goals in that particular tournament.

His presence in the Super Eagles defense which has now become more accustomed to a back-three in recent times is absolutely invaluable.

His ability to command his team's backline as well as his tenacity to win every single aerial duel he is involved in might just be the key the Super Eagles need if they ever decide to go defensive at any point in the game.

Ademola Lookman

A player who needs no introduction, some fans around the continent have already crowned him the 2024 African Footballer of the Year in their hearts.

His recent historic achievement of putting a hat-trick past Bayer 04 Leverkusen who were on an invincible streak to clinch the UEFA Europa League title for Atalanta, still rings bells in the ears of fans.

He has managed an impressive six goal contributions (3 goals, 3 assists) in seven appearances in all competitions this season.

A wideman blessed with precision and elite technical ability, his presence on the pitch will give the Libyan defence a lot to worry about as his finishing ability is capable of catching even the world's best defenses off guard.

Ejim Kaycee

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