Nigeria has officially qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco with two matches to spare, following Libya’s 1-0 win over Rwanda in Kigali on Thursday.
The Mediterranean Knights delivered a stunning blow to the Rwandans, with Saad Mohamed scoring the decisive goal in the 84th minute. This victory not only revived Libya’s own qualification hopes but also confirmed Nigeria’s place in next year’s tournament, set to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
The Super Eagles had been scheduled to face Benin Republic in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, where they needed at least a point to seal their qualification. However, Libya’s win earlier in the day ensured Nigeria’s qualification was already secured, relieving the pressure heading into the match. This comes as a relief after Libya had posed a serious challenge to Nigeria’s AFCON hopes back in October.
With the victory, Nigeria, three-time AFCON champions, will make their 21st appearance at the prestigious continental tournament. The Super Eagles are coming off a near-miss in the 2023 edition, where they finished as runners-up after a 2-1 defeat to Ivory Coast in the final, marking their fifth loss in an AFCON final. Nigeria has also claimed third place on eight occasions.
Nigeria’s three AFCON titles were won on home soil in 1980, in Tunisia in 1994, and in South Africa in 2013.
Thanks to Libya’s result, Nigeria now only requires a draw in their upcoming match against Rwanda at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Monday to secure the top spot in Group D. Currently, Rwanda sits third with five points, while Libya, with just four points, still harbors slim hopes of qualifying, though their chances are increasingly uncertain.
As the Super Eagles turn their focus to their remaining fixtures, their qualification for the 2025 AFCON is now a settled matter—though they will be aiming to finish top of the group and build momentum ahead of next year’s tournament in Morocco.
