BREAKING: CAF awards Nigeria victory, fines Libya in disrupted AFCON qualifier match

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has granted Nigeria three points and three goals in the aftermath of an abandoned Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya.

The decision comes after CAF’s Disciplinary Board reviewed the October 15 incident in Benghazi, where the Nigerian Super Eagles were reportedly left stranded at an abandoned airport for nearly a day.

CAF found the Libya Football Federation in violation of Article 31 of the African Cup of Nations Regulations, along with Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code. As a result, the board penalized Libya and awarded Nigeria a default win, securing Nigeria’s position at the top of Group D with 10 points from four matches.

The 5-point decision reads:

1. 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.

2. 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).

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

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

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

CAF President Patrice Motsepe emphasized that unsportsmanlike conduct would not be tolerated in African football, setting a clear precedent for future games.