The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board has officially awarded Nigeria a 3-0 forfeit victory over Libya and imposed a $50,000 fine on the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) following an investigation into the Super Eagles’ harrowing experience in Bayda, Libya.
This decision, announced on Saturday, follows a tense situation that saw Nigeria’s national team endure prolonged delays and poor treatment upon arrival in Libya, leading to the cancellation of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group D qualifier on October 15. The Nigerian squad had faced a 20-hour ordeal without sufficient food or water after their flight was unexpectedly redirected from Benghazi to Al Abraq Airport.
In a statement, CAF said, “The CAF Disciplinary Board met to deliberate on the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Qualifier that was scheduled between Libya and Nigeria.”
CAF cited specific violations by the LFF, noting, “Libya Football Federation was found to have breached Article 31 of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Regulations as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.”
The board officially awarded the match to Nigeria, declaring, “The match No. 87 Libya v. Nigeria of the TotalEnergies 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).”
In addition to forfeiting the match, Libya was ordered to pay a fine. “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,” CAF stated.
CAF dismissed all other motions related to the case, concluding, “All other and further motions or prayers for relief are dismissed.”
Background of Nigeria’s ordeal in Libya
This ruling comes after Nigeria’s formal protest to CAF over the Super Eagles’ treatment in Libya. The Nigerian team, en route to Benghazi for their AFCON qualifier, was diverted to Al Abraq Airport, which is several hours away from their intended destination.
Upon arrival, they were subjected to long waiting hours in harsh conditions, lacking adequate provisions such as food and water. Outraged Nigerian sports officials condemned the incident, describing it as hostile and unwelcoming behavior toward the visiting team.
Amid concerns for the safety of players and officials, the Nigerian government directed the Super Eagles to withdraw from the match, agreeing with an earlier resolve by the players not to play. This decision, although controversial, was seen as necessary in light of the situation the team encountered in Libya.
CAF’s call for reports and investigation
In response to the NFF’s protest, CAF demanded detailed reports from both the NFF and the LFF by October 20. The NFF promptly submitted its report, documenting the logistical difficulties and alleged unsportsmanlike conduct exhibited by the Libyan authorities.
Representing Nigeria at the CAF hearing in Addis Ababa on October 24, former NFF President and FIFA Council member Amaju Pinnick accused the Libyan side of “unsportsmanlike conduct” toward the Nigerian team. His position was reportedly supported by other CAF officials, including Senegal’s Augustin Senghor, Cameroon’s Seidou Mbombo Njoya, and Sierra Leone’s Isha Johansen.
Pinnick had previously shared updates on the matter during an interview on Arise News, affirming that CAF was taking the issue seriously and commending CAF President Patrice Motsepe’s commitment to integrity and Pan-Africanism in addressing the incident.
“CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, personifies integrity and Pan-Africanism. We deliberated on it in our executive committee meeting. It was a subject of intense discussion,” Pinnick noted.
Impact on AFCON qualification
The decision to award Nigeria a 3-0 forfeit victory significantly boosts the Super Eagles’ position in Group D. With this result, Nigeria is now poised to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, needing only a draw in their upcoming match against Benin Republic in Abidjan on November 14 to secure their place in Morocco.
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