Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has been consistently praised for his impressive performances since joining the Super Eagles a year ago. On Friday evening, he once again proved to be the hero for the three-time African champions, scoring a late winner just four minutes from time to secure a 1-0 victory over Libya in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Despite Libya’s resolute defence and stellar goalkeeping from Murad Al Wuheeshi, Dele-Bashiru’s goal saved Nigeria from an embarrassing draw. Libya’s strategy had limited Nigeria’s scoring chances, but the midfielder’s decisive strike sealed the victory.

This is Dele-Bashiru’s second crucial goal for Nigeria in four months, following his equalizer against South Africa in June.

Posting on Instagram, Dele-Bashiru wrote: “Solid team performance, important 3 points, happy to score the winning goal.”

The Super Eagles now lead Group D of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers with seven points from three games as they prepare for the return leg in Benghazi.