Libya’s national football team, the Mediterranean Knights, has made a major change in preparation for their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifier against Nigeria. The Libya Football Federation has named Nasser Al-Hadiri as the new head coach, just weeks before the crucial match.
Al-Hadiri replaces Serbian coach Milutin Sredojevic, who was dismissed due to the team’s disappointing performance in the AFCON qualifying rounds. The Mediterranean Knights have struggled so far in the qualifiers, currently sitting at the bottom of Group D with just one point from two games.
Assisting Al-Hadiri in his new role will be Abu Bakr Al-Harak, with Misbah Shangab stepping in as the goalkeeper coach. Al-Hadiri is no stranger to the Libyan national team, having previously worked as an assistant coach under Spaniard Javier Clemente in 2014.
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The President of the Libya Football Federation, Abdul Hakim Al-Shalmani, expressed confidence in Al-Hadiri’s appointment, stating that the federation is pleased with the agreement to bring him on board to lead the team.
Libya’s next challenge will be a tough one as they face the Super Eagles of Nigeria in a must-win qualifier match. The game is set for Friday, October 11, in Uyo, Nigeria, followed by a return leg in Benina four days later.
While Nigeria leads Group D with four points from two games, Libya is in a difficult position, needing a win to keep their hopes of qualifying for AFCON 2025 alive. All eyes will be on Al-Hadiri to see if he can turn things around for the Mediterranean Knights in this critical encounter.
