Libya close to deal to hire French coach for African Cup of Nations qualifier against Super Eagles

Libya’s senior national team have stepped up plans to recruit a new coach ahead of their back-to-back AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Nigeria’s senior national team, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Serbian coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojević left his position as coach after his contract expired following the final qualifying round, where they drew 1-1 at home to Rwanda before losing 1-2 to Benin Republic.

His departure has opened the door for a new coach to take his place ahead of the group’s October round of 16 matches against group leaders Nigeria on October 7 and 15 respectively.

According to Times Sport, talks are advanced with Frenchman Hubert Velud, 65, who previously coached Togo and Sudan. He left his post as Burkina Faso coach in February after the African Cup of Nations, where he led the country to the second round.

The coach who led Burkina Faso from April 2023 to February 2024 is expected to conclude all negotiations on the deal and sign a one-year contract. His immediate task will be to face the Super Eagles in the group, where they are currently bottom.