Nigeria was awarded three goals and three points, while Libya received a $50,000 fine after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced its final verdict regarding the disrupted 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Group D qualifier that was scheduled for October 15 in Benina, Libya.
CAF’s Disciplinary Committee reached this decision after a comprehensive investigation following a complaint by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). According to the complaint, the Nigerian team faced a gruelling 20-hour ordeal in Libya from October 13 to October 14. The Libyan authorities redirected the Super Eagles’ flight to Labraq Airport, approximately 300 kilometres from the intended venue in Benghazi, moments before landing. The Nigerian team was held at Labraq Airport for 18 hours without access to food, water, or clean facilities, with toilets left deliberately unsanitary by the hosts.
Physically and emotionally exhausted, the Super Eagles returned to Nigeria on Monday, October 14, unprepared to compete in the scheduled fixture. Libya’s attempt to justify their actions was dismissed by CAF’s Disciplinary Committee, which found the Libyan Football Federation guilty of violating Article 31 of the AFCON Regulations and Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.
CAF’s ruling, signed by Committee Chairman Ousmane Kane, stated that the Libya vs. Nigeria qualifier (Match No. 87) was forfeited by Libya, awarding Nigeria a 3-0 victory. The Libyan Football Federation must also pay a $50,000 fine within 60 days of receiving the decision.
This ruling places Nigeria within reach of qualifying for the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco, with 10 points from four matches. A win or draw against Benin Republic in their upcoming match on November 14 would secure Nigeria’s spot. Meanwhile, Libya, now bottom of the group with one point, is effectively out of the race for qualification.
The Libyan Football Federation, however, has appealed the decision, deeming it unfair and has enlisted Tunisian lawyer Ali Abbas to represent its case in the appeal process.
