Super substitute, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru scored one of the most important goals of his young football career on Friday to help Nigeria defeat Libya 1-0 in a 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.

The game which took place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State appeared to be headed for a 0-0 draw until Dele-Bashiru came up with his magic wand.

The Lazio midfielder replaced Fulham forward, Alex Iwobi in the 74th minute with Super Eagles manager, Augustine Eguavoen having had enough of the latter who had wasted at least three good chances to score.

Man of the match, Moses Simon was superb in sending a pass to Dele-Bashiru after finding his way past two Libyan defenders and the former Hatayspor of Turkey star buried the ball into the back of the net in the 87th minute.

With Nigeria winning 1-0, the Super Eagles have maintained their strong lead at the top of Group D of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.

They have garnered a total of seven points from three matches after securing two wins and a draw.

The Super Eagles will next take a trip to Tripoli to take on Libya in the return leg scheduled for Tuesday, October 15, 2024.