The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has awarded Nigeria’s Super Eagles three goals and three points, while also fining Libya $50,000, following the investigation of the disrupted 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON Group D qualifier that was to be held on October 15 in Benghazi.
The decision follows an in-depth review by CAF’s disciplinary committee after Nigeria’s complaints about severe mistreatment upon arrival in Libya.
Few hours after the ruling was announced, the Libyan Football Federation has appealed CAF’s ruling, retaining Tunisian lawyer Ali Abbas to argue their case.
On Sunday, October 13, as Nigeria’s delegation neared Benghazi, their flight was abruptly diverted to Labraq Airport, about 300 km away from the match venue.
Stranded at the airport for 18 hours, the Nigerian players and officials endured conditions with no food, limited water, and unusable toilets, resulting in a 20-hour ordeal that left the team drained.
The Super Eagles returned home on Monday, unable to compete.
CAF’s disciplinary committee found Libya in violation of Article 31 of the AFCON Regulations and Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.
In the ruling signed by committee chairman Ousmane Kane, Libya was declared to have forfeited the match (3-0 in favor of Nigeria), and the Libyan Football Federation was fined $50,000, payable within 60 days.
This decision boosts Nigeria’s standing in Group D, placing them on the verge of qualification for the AFCON finals in Morocco with two games to spare.
The Super Eagles now lead with 10 points from four matches, followed by Benin with six points, Rwanda with five, and Libya trailing with one.
A win or draw for Nigeria in their next match against Benin on November 14 in Abidjan will secure their place in the 2025 AFCON finals.
