AFCON qualifiers: CAF awards victory to Super Eagles, fines Libya

The Confederation of African Football has awarded three points, and three goals to Nigeria for the abandoned game against Libya in the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

The decision was disclosed on Saturday, after a review of logistical challenges faced by the Super Eagles.

Recall that in the first tie of the match, Nigeria claimed a narrow 1-0 victory at home in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

In the returning match, Nigeria walked away from the game following poor treatment by the host country that left Super Eagles players and staff stranded at an abandoned airport for almost a day.

Moreover, following the outcry that trail the actions of Libyan government, CAF President Patrice Motsepe addressed the issue at CAF’s 46th Ordinary General Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, promising firm action against similar situations across Africa.

However, CAF after investigation, found the Libya Football Federation to have breached Article 31 of the African Cup of Nations Regulations as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

The 5-point decision reads:

· The Libya Football Federation is found to have breached Article 31 of the African Cup of Nations Regulations as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

· The match No.87 Libya v. Nigeria of the CAF African Cup of Nations Qualifiers 2025 (scheduled to be played on 15 October 2024 in Benghazi) is declared lost by forfeit by Libya (by a score of 3-0).

· The Libya Football Federation is ordered to pay a fine of USD 50,000.

· The fine is to be paid within 60 days of notification of the present decision.

· All other and further motions or prayers for relief are dismissed.

Mr Patrice Motsepe had earlier said that the continental body would not tolerate any lack of sportsmanship and unfair treatment in African football.

With the decision, Nigeria now has ten (10) points from four games

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