The national football team of Libya, known as the Mediterranean Knights, is undergoing a major transformation as they gear up to face Nigeria in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The Libya Football Federation has appointed Nasser Al-Hadiri as the new head coach, just weeks before the critical match against Nigeria.
Al-Hadiri steps in to replace Serbian coach Milutin Sredojevic, who was dismissed following disappointing performances in the qualifying series. Joining him on the coaching staff will be Abu Bakr Al-Harak, who will serve as his assistant, and Misbah Shangab, who will take on the role of goalkeeper coach.
With a wealth of experience, Al-Hadiri previously worked as an assistant coach under Spaniard Javier Clemente for the Libyan national team in 2014. Abdul Hakim Al-Shalmani, President of the Libya Football Federation, expressed his satisfaction with Al-Hadiri’s appointment to lead the team.
The Mediterranean Knights face a significant challenge against Nigeria’s Super Eagles in a qualifier scheduled for Uyo on Friday, October 11, followed by a return leg in Benina just four days later. Currently, Nigeria tops Group D with four points from two matches, while Libya sits at the bottom of the group with only one point.