Libya is forced to forfeit an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Nigeria which should have been played on October 15, African football authorities decided on Saturday, after the Super Eagles complained that their team had suffered a “ inhumane treatment “.
2 mins
Nigeria were due to face Libya in Benghazi on October 15 in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, but returned home without playing the match after expressing anger at the manner in which he was treated. As a reminder, the Super Eagles were held in an abandoned airport in Libya for more than 20 hours after the landing of their flight to Benghazi, diverted at the last minute to Al Abraq. They were left there without water or food. After which the Nigerians decided to return and therefore boycott the match.
The CAF, which had opened an investigation into these incidents, finally rendered its decision this Saturday. And concluded that Libya had committed several violations of its disciplinary code. Thus, she was forced to forfeit the match with a score of 3-0 and pay a fine of $50,000. “ The Libyan Football Federation is found guilty of violating article 31 of the African Cup of Nations Regulations as well as articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code », Communicated the body. Please note that the fine must be paid within 60 days.
If the situation was initially nightmarish for Nigeria, the CAF decision largely suited the Super Eagles’ business. Indeed, thanks to the three points obtained on the green carpet, Nigeria takes the lead in group D with 10 points. A draw against Benin on November 11 and qualification for CAN 2025 would be mathematically validated.