Super Eagles’ John Noble Shrugs Off Libya Threat: “They’re Worried About Facing Nigeria”

Nigeria international John Noble has dismissed suggestions that Libya could secure a surprise result against the Super Eagles in this week’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Mediterranean Knights are aiming to revive their qualification hopes with positive results against Augustine Eguavoen's team, following disappointing performances against Rwanda and Benin Republic.

Currently at the bottom of Group B, the North Africans, under new coach Nasser Al-Hadhiri, will be looking for a win at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on October 11, before facing Nigeria in Benghazi four days later.

Previewing the upcoming two-legged matchup, the goalkeeper views the 1982 AFCON runners-up as no threat to Nigeria's ambitions and shares the reasons behind his optimism.

"I don't anticipate the Libyans pulling off an upset against us. I’m pretty sure they’re worried about facing Nigeria, and I mean that with all due respect," Noble told SportsBoom.com. 

“Given the quality of players selected for these matches, their current form, and the guidance of coach Augustine Eguavoen, I believe Nigeria will emerge victorious.

"Despite this, we must not underestimate them. Like we did against Benin Republic and Rwanda, we'll give our all right from the first whistle and focus on getting the job done. Even if the goals don’t come immediately, we'll maintain a positive mindset, and I'm confident we'll achieve a good result.

"The fans play a crucial role in this. First, showing up in large numbers will provide us with a psychological edge over the Libyans, and it will energize the Super Eagles from start to finish. Their support is essential."

Nigeria defeated Libya 3-2 in their last encounter on October 16, 2018. In that AFCON qualifier at the Stade Taieb-Mehiri, Odion Ighalo's brace and a goal from Ahmed Musa secured the victory in Sfax.

No cause for alarm about exclusion of NPFL players

The Nigeria Football Federation's squad list for the Libya matches sparked mixed reactions due to the exclusion of players from the Nigeria Professional Football League.

However, Noble, the only home-based player from Nigeria at the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, defended the squad, emphasizing that the primary focus should be on achieving the desired results rather than on who made the list.

He added: “It's the coach's decision to choose his team, and that choice shouldn't be questioned, as he is the one who faces the consequences if things don't go as planned.

“It's worth noting that the NPFL has been represented in previous outings, and the coach believes their absence is justified for tactical reasons.”

“It’s important to recognize that the Nigerian topflight has only recently started, and players may not yet be in peak form for selection. However, this doesn’t diminish the quality present in the Nigerian league.”

“Even if they aren’t called up this time, there will be plenty of future matches. I don’t think there’s any reason to be alarmed.”

Eguavoen’s technical crew can manage Eagles big boys

Interim Nigeria head coach Augustine Eguavoen will be supported by Fidelis Ilechukwu from Enugu Rangers and Daniel Ogunmodede from Remo Stars until the NFF appoints a permanent coach.

While some believe the trio may struggle to manage a squad of foreign-based professionals due to potential egos, the 31-year-old has a different perspective.

Noble added: "I have worked with these coaches before, and they are just as capable as their foreign counterparts.”

“In addition to tactics, a coach's success often hinges on their ability to connect with players both on and off the field. I can assure you that coaches Ilechukwu and Ogunmodede possess these qualities.”

“By fostering a good atmosphere in camp, they can make the job much easier. I have great confidence that they will thrive.”

“Eguavoen is more than just a coach; he is a father figure and a Nigerian football legend. I worked with him during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations and learned a great deal from him.”