Super Eagles of Nigeria defeat Libya 1-0 in the AFCON 2025 qualifying match at the Godswill Akpabio stadium in Uyo.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, played the role of a super sub as he scored from a clinical counterattack in the 86th minute to give Nigeria a late win.
The Super Eagles sit top of Group D with seven points.
Before Nigeria scored, the referee had ruled out a goal by Ademola Lookman for offside, a decision some fans at the stadium protested.
The Nigerian team dominated play from the first minute to the last in a game where goals were hard to come by.
Coach Austin Eguavoen opted for a three-man attack led by Victor Boniface, Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon in the absence of injured Victor Osimhen.
Simon replaced Samuel Chukwueze who started in the last two games for the Eagles in the starting line-up against the Libyans.
Stanley Nwabali was retained in goal, with Ola Aina, William Troost-Ekong, Bruno Onyemaechi and Calvin Bassey retaining their positions in the defence.
Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi held it down in the middle of the pack for the three-time African champions.
Nigeria will face the Libyans for the return leg on Tuesday at Benina Martyrs Stadium in Libya.