Nigeria know qualification is within their hands as victory for the Super Eagles this evening will brighten their chances after South Africa failed to beat Seychelles in the afternoon. Things can get quite complicated though so expect the situation to change throughout the evening - we will keep you updated throughout!
OFFICIAL LINE-UPS
LIBYA: Azzaqeh, Maetouq, Zaebiaa, Masaud, Ben Ali, Abdussalm, Ali Soulah, Eltarbi, Mohamed, Sharadi, Saltou
NIGERIA: Uzoho, Balogun, Ekong, Aina, Collins, Etebo, Ndidi, Iwobi, Musa, Kalu, Ighalo
Libya’s comeback falls short as they lose a competitive match on home soil for the first time since October 7, 2017. Odion Ighalo’s brace and an Ahmed Musa goal got Nigeria a massive away win. Thanks for following our live coverage of the match!
FULL-TIME: LIBYA 2-3 NIGERIA
90' + 2' A final change of the match sees Rohr bring on Semi Ajayi for a tired Alex Iwobi
90' There will be a minimum of eight minutes added on at the end of this match! The Libya supporters like the sound of that.
88' Henry Onyekuru missed that goal by whiskers as Libya attack in large numbers. Francis Uzoho down on the turf after colliding with Sand Masaud. Freekick to Nigeria
85' Libya have now faced an extended period without the ball, as Ighalo and company try to carve through an organised defensive line. Corner kick to Nigeria
82' Libya look a little shellshocked. They're still pushing forward to try and get something from this game, though.
79' Gooal! Odion Ighalo to the rescue as he gives Nigeria the lead. Great ball control, fantastic strike and the Super Eagles are a goal up
76' More careless defensive play from Nigeria. They gift possession away deep in their own end, allowing Saltou forward. Let’s hope the introduction of John Ogu will bring stability to the Super Eagles’ midfield. Henry Onyekuru looking set to come in for Samuel Kalu
73' The damage has been done as Ahmad Ben All equalises for Libya. He poked home the leveler after an initial save from Francis Uzoho from Sand Masaud’s shot. How on earth will Nigeria let go of a two-goal lead?
70' Some possession for Nigeria now as they manage to provide a bit of respite for their back line. Ndidi is working hard up top to try and win the ball back, but his persistence has counted for nothing so far as the Eagles seem to be slowing things down
67' A big test of Libya’s character now as they have work to do. Coach Al-Maryami will have warned his side at the break that things can change in an instant and they have learnt that first hand. Not too long ago, Iwobi went close to grabbing the third goal but his effort was blocked
64' Nigeria are not looking at all assured right now in defence. They're struggling to get out of their end, and are incredibly lucky not to have just seen their lead erased. Rabia Alshadi comes in for Ismael Sharadi
61' The Libya supporters begin their famous clap again, trying to lift their team as they pile forward for a corner. What a noise they're making!
58' Ahmed Ben Ali forces a smart save from Francis Uzoho after darting into the Super Eagles’ backline. Gernot Rohr’s men look very tired and they must watch it else they get spanked
55' SAVE: That was a world class save from Francis Uzoho from Mohammed Abdussalam’s floater after another moment of carelessness from Nigeria defence. Game stops briefly as medics attend to injured Uzoho who us down
52' The game looks a little more open so far at the start of this half, with both sides attempting a few more forwards passes.
49' Uzoho has been booked for time wasting by referee Joshua Bondo from Botswana. That was needleless as there are still over 40 minutes to play in this game. Libya are looking very sparkling as they attempt snatching an equaliser
46' And we're back underway for the start of the second half! Can Libya grab a decisive goal?
Nigeria have the lead at the break and, crucially, are in cruise control. Odion Ighalo has finally resurrected and his opening goal brings his tally to lofted pass before smashing home. Musa doubled the lead, however, Mohamed Zaebiaa pulled one back for Libya after a moment of carelessness from the Super Eagles backline. The hosts almost equalised no thanks to a sloppy goalkeeping from Francis Uzoho.
45' HALF-TIME: LIBYA 1 - 2 NIGERIA
43' The hosts are mounting a late push in search of a route back into this match before the interval, but Nigeria are holding firm. The hosts look out of ideas in attack. They're passing the ball so well through midfield, but once they get into the final third it's all breaking down.
40' The noise inside the stadium is incredible. All the talk was of a crisis in Libya but the fans are not letting those reported issues affect their mood.
37' Mohamed Arris Saltou is posing a big threat to Nigeria's defence line and he needs to be stopped. Libya have done fairly well so far but they have been undone by two moments of magic
34' Lifeline for Libya as they pull one back through Mohamed Zaebiaa. He headspast Francis Uzoho after an header from Mohamed Arris Saltou from Ahmed Ben Ali’s free-kick. The Super Eagles’ backline could have done better
31' Mohamed Ali Soulah out, Bader Hasan Ahmed in. Let’s see if that can fuel Libya’s bid to come back in this encounter. The hosts are in dire need of a win
29' Iwobi is pulling the strings for Nigeria in midfield, while Musa looks to be in the mood. Libya are set for another miserable night, though it would be interesting to see how the atmosphere would change if they ever get a goal
26' BALL POSSESSION: Libya 40 % - Nigeria 60%
23' Plenty more possession for Libya, but they're struggling to break down the two blocks of four Nigeria have anchored in defence. It's going to take something special for Libya, who will need to remain patient in their pursuit. Mohamed Zaebiaa missed a golden chance
20' Libya have it all to do now. This is the second bit of adversity for Omar Al-Maryami at the helm since he took over. It's the second time Libya have trailed by two goals under him, and just the second time they've been behind in general - the other being a 2-0 deficit in Uyo
17' GOOAL! Nigeria is soaring very high in Sfax with captain Ahmed Musa doubling the Super Eagles' lead. Ighalo feeds Musa with a sumptuous pass before the Saudi based star dribbling past three defenders to slot the ball passAhmed Azzaqeh
12' It's been an entertaining watch thus far with both sides showing good attacking intent. Libya are looking the more fluid in possession, but Nigeria definitely have issued some warnings on the break.
9' Nigeria are starting to find their feet and are getting shots in on goal but Odion Ighalo, slipping as he strikes, fires and goalkeeper Ahmed Azzaqeh makes a simple catch
6' Plenty of possession for Libya from the off, but it's Nigeria who pose the first real threat in attack as Ahmed Musa goes on a tidy run but the ball was cleared on the edge of the penalty area.
3' The stands are a sea of Libya's famous black and red jersey, with only small pockets of Nigeria's green. It should be a cracking atmosphere.
1' KICK-OFF! We're underway in Stade Taïeb Mhiri, Sfax where Libya get us started.
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