The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially awarded Nigeria a 3-0 victory and three points over Libya following a controversial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying incident in Benghazi.
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This decision was announced after CAF President Patrice Motsepe initiated an investigation, emphasizing the need for fair play across the continent.
CAF’s Disciplinary Board, led by Chairperson Ousmane Kane, issued a statement explaining that Libya’s actions were deemed a breach of both AFCON regulations and the CAF Disciplinary Code.
According to the committee’s findings, Libyan officials subjected the Nigerian Super Eagles to unfair treatment at the Benghazi airport, delaying them for hours without access to food or internet.
The CAF Disciplinary Board, consisting of five members from different African nations, held Libya accountable under Article 31 of the AFCON Regulations and Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.
In addition to the forfeit, CAF imposed a USD 50,000 fine on the Libyan Football Federation, payable within 60 days.
With this ruling, Nigeria now has 10 points from four games, placing them in a strong position to qualify for AFCON 2025. Benin Republic follows with six points, Rwanda with five, while Libya trails with just one point, ending their qualification hopes.
A win or draw for Nigeria against Benin Republic on November 14 will secure the Super Eagles’ place in the 2025 finals, scheduled to take place in Morocco in December 2025 through January 2026.
This decision, and CAF’s firm stance on the matter, underscores the governing body’s commitment to maintaining sportsmanship and integrity in African football.
