The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) is challenging a decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that awarded Nigeria a 3-0 win and three points in their disrupted Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match initially scheduled for October 15 in Benina, Libya. CAF also imposed a $50,000 fine on Libya for violating regulations on the Nigerian team’s travel and match preparations.
The ruling followed an investigation after the Nigerian Football Federation filed a complaint over the Super Eagles’ experience upon arrival in Libya. Their flight was reportedly diverted to Labraq Airport, 300 kilometers from the intended destination in Benghazi. Once at the airport, the Nigerian team was subjected to an 18-hour delay with limited access to food, water, and sanitation facilities, ultimately leading them to abandon the match and return home.
CAF’s disciplinary committee, led by Chairman Ousmane Kane, determined that Libya had breached several AFCON regulations, resulting in a forfeit loss for Libya. This decision significantly boosts Nigeria’s qualification chances for the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco, as they now lead Group D with 10 points. In contrast, Libya remains last in the group with just one point, now out of contention for qualification.
The LFF has called the ruling “unfair” and has engaged Tunisian lawyer Ali Abbas to mount an appeal, hoping to reverse the decision. The outcome of this appeal could impact Nigeria’s qualification path as well as set a precedent for handling similar disputes in future AFCON qualifiers.
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