diff --git a/samples/bpf/Makefile b/samples/bpf/Makefile
index 9b4a66e3363e..c1dc632d4ea4 100644
--- a/samples/bpf/Makefile
+++ b/samples/bpf/Makefile
@@ -179,13 +179,16 @@ LLC ?= llc
 CLANG ?= clang
 
 # Trick to allow make to be run from this directory
-all:
+all: $(LIBBPF)
 	$(MAKE) -C ../../ $(CURDIR)/
 
 clean:
 	$(MAKE) -C ../../ M=$(CURDIR) clean
 	@rm -f *~
 
+$(LIBBPF): FORCE
+	$(MAKE) -C $(dir $@) $(notdir $@)
+
 $(obj)/syscall_nrs.s:	$(src)/syscall_nrs.c
 	$(call if_changed_dep,cc_s_c)