On Saturday, the Confederation of African Football’s verdict on the failure of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Group D qualifiers scheduled for October 15 in Benina, Libya, was finally announced, awarding Nigeria three goals and three points. Libya was fined $50,000.
The ruling follows a complaint by the Nigeria Football Federation after the Super Eagles were subjected to a nightmarish 20-hour experience from Sunday, October 13 to Monday in the North African country. The decision comes after a thorough and seemingly exhaustive investigation into the matter by the organization’s disciplinary committee. , October 14th.
As he was about to land at the designated airport in Benghazi, Libyan authorities diverted him to Labrak Airport, about 300 kilometers from the match venue. The Nigerian contingent was trapped at Labrac airport for 18 hours without food or water, and the toilets were completely messed up by the Libyans waiting for their arrival.
Physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted and clearly not fit to play, the Super Eagles returned home late on Monday.
The Libyan Football Federation attempted a sham defense, which was ultimately, understandably, deemed untenable by the disciplinary committee.
In a judgment on Saturday signed by Chairman Usman Kane, the commission found the Libyan Football Federation guilty of violating Article 31 of the African Cup of Nations Regulations and Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Regulations.
Additionally, the 87th match between Libya and Nigeria in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifiers, which was scheduled to be held in Benghazi on October 15th, was decided as a loss due to Libya’s forfeiture of the game (score 3-0).
The Libyan Football Federation was also ordered to pay a $50,000 fine within 60 days of notification of the decision.
The ruling puts Nigeria on the brink of qualifying for the 2025 African Cup of Nations finals in Morocco with two games remaining. The Super Eagles currently have 10 points from four games and are four points behind second-placed Benin Republic, while Rwanda have five points. Libya remain at the bottom of the table with one point and cannot compete for the remaining two tickets to the finals in their group.
A win or draw against the Benin Republic Cheetahs (round 5 match) on Thursday, November 14th in Abidjan will give the Super Eagles a ticket to the final in Morocco.
As expected, the Libyan Football Federation has appealed the decision as unfair and has enlisted the help of Tunisian lawyer Ali Abbas to defend its position in the case, according to Libyan news outlet alwasat.ly. reported.
