AFCON Qualifiers: Libya will be a tough nut to crack- Clifford Chukwuma

Former Udoji FC star, Clifford Chukwuma believes Friday’s AFCON 2025 qualifiers between Super Eagles and their Libyan counterpart won’t be a stroll in the park given the antecedent of North African teams.

In an exclusive chat with TheGuardian, ‘Father Clifford’ hinged his submission on the technical savvy of teams from the Maghreb regions, pointing out that Nigeria has never had it easy against any North African opponents.

He however expressed confidence in the ability of coach Austin Eguavoen to dig deep into his technical books of tricks and come out with the right tactical formation that will ensure that Nigeria defeat their opponents

“It won’t be an easy game for us,” begins Father Clifford.

“I just want to appeal to Eaguavoen to stick with the winning team because the Super Eagles seem to have rediscovered their rhythm again.

” It has always been difficult playing the North Africans and tomorrow’s game won’t be different. I am however confident Nigeria will carry the day because the players I see in camp won’t settle for anything than three points.

He has to settle for the same team that played our last two games because it makes a team more cohesive in play,” he said

On Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the former Eagle Cement FC of Lagos star believes all hope is not lost, adding that the new morale in Super Eagles’ camp will be a defining factor that will propel the players back to winning ways when they prosecute their remaining qualifying matches

” I strongly believe Nigeria will qualify for the World Cup despite dropping valuable points on the road. Looking at the way things are now, I  am confident the team will turn it around in their subsequent qualifying games,” he said.