CAF Libya decision: CAF imposes sanctions on Libya, awards three points to Super Eagles from Nigeria

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a disciplinary decision regarding the suspension of the 2025 Afcon qualifier between Libya and Nigeria.

The Caf report states: “The Libyan Football Federation is in violation of Article 31 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations, as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the Caf Disciplinary Code.”

The match, expected to take place on October 15, 2024 in Benghazi, did not happen due to controversy caused by the Nigerian team’s 16-hour delay upon arrival in Libya. They then diverted the Super Eagles flight to land at Al Aqrab, 230km from the match venue.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have announced they will not play in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya.

According to the Nigerian Football Federation, Libyan authorities forced the plane to land at Abrak Airport instead of Benghazi Airport, where it was supposed to land.

Thanks for the message to X tok, tell them they don’t wait for the airport for more than 16 hours without eating or drinking.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) condemns the way Libya treated Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, which played one return match.

The football body box receives information about, say, the Nigerian national team plus the technical team, a one-person garbage hook for very long hours after the Libyan authorities have instructed them to land.

At the time, Caf said in a statement that the matter was now under the Disciplinary Board for investigation.

The MPs added that they should take appropriate action against those who violate CAF Statutes and Rules.

As now, the Libyans did not lose the match, and Nigeria received three points and three goals.

The football body also ordered the Libyan Football Federation to pay a fine of US$50,000, which is expected to “pay within 60 days of notification of this decision.”

CAF’s decision came a few days later, after which President Patrice Motsepe, speaking at the football body’s general congress in Addis Ababa on Tuesday, said the organization was committed to responsibility in such matters.

The decision effectively ended Libya’s hopes of qualifying for the 2025 Afcon tournament.

These Mediterranean Knights have just one point from four matches, with Nigeria now on 10 points and moving closer to qualifying for the biennial football competition.