Osamagbe Imadiyi
Following a postponed Africa Cup of Nations qualifier that was originally set for October 15 in Benina, Libya, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently decided to award Nigeria three points and three goals.
The Libyan Football Federation has appealed this decision. In addition, the verdict fined Libya $50,000 for violating CAF regulations regarding the conditions and arrival of the Nigerian team. Alwasat.ly, a Libyan outlet, reports that Libya has hired Ali Abbas, a Tunisian attorney, to represent it in its appeal, which calls the CAF ruling “unfair.”
Following the Super Eagles’ alleged 20-hour ordeal, which included a diverted flight, a protracted wait at Labraq Airport—300 kilometers from the planned destination in Benghazi—and subpar amenities, such as a shortage of food and water, the Nigerian Football Federation filed a complaint, which prompted an investigation by CAF’s disciplinary committee. Eventually, the Nigerian contingent was compelled to leave the game and head home.
The Africa Cup of Nations Regulations’ Article 31 and the CAF Disciplinary Code’s Articles 82 and 151 were violated, according to the ruling of the CAF disciplinary committee, which was presided over by Ousmane Kane. Nigeria was given a 3-0 score, and Libya was declared to have lost the game by forfeit.
Nigeria could qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco if the ruling is upheld, while Libya would be eliminated with just one point in Group D.
