The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has made a major decision regarding the botched 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Nigeria and Libya.
The CAF Disciplinary Board awarded the Super Eagles of Nigeria three points and three goals after the match, scheduled for October 15 in Benina, was abandoned due to severe logistical issues faced by the Nigerian team.
The Libyan authorities were found guilty of inhumane treatment towards the Super Eagles, which included diverting their flight and holding them at an airport for over 17 hours without basic amenities.
As a result of these findings, CAF declared the match forfeited by Libya with a scoreline of 3-0 in favor of Nigeria. This decision was part of a broader effort by CAF to uphold sportsmanship and fairness in African football, as emphasized by CAF President Patrice Motsepe.
Additionally, the Libya Football Federation was fined $50,000, payable within 60 days, for breaching several articles of the CAF Disciplinary Code.
This ruling massively bolstered Nigeria's position in Group D of the qualifiers, placing them at the top with 10 points from four matches, four points ahead of their nearest rivals, Benin.
A draw in their upcoming match against Benin in Abidjan would secure their qualification for the 2025 AFCON, set to be hosted in Morocco. The decision was met with approval from Nigerian players, including William Troost-Ekong, who expressed satisfaction with the outcome, viewing it as "justice" for the ordeal they endured.
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