By Samuel A. October 26, 2024
After investigations and observations, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) body has given a verdict that Libya’s national team will forfeit three points to Nigeria’s Super Eagles, after the terrible treatment they put them through in Libya.
The North African country will also pay a fine of $50,000, according to CAF in an official statement. The ruling was CAF’s decision on the botched Nations Cup qualifier between Libya and Nigeria, which was scheduled for Tuesday, 15 October. The Nigerian team, however, decided not to proceed with the game after their flight into Benghazi from Kano was diverted without prior notification, thus, leaving the Super Eagles players and crew stranded for over 12 hours, intentionally so.
The confederation’s Disciplinary Board claimed that Libya violated AFCON Regulations and the CAF Disciplinary Code – specifically Articles 31, 82, and 151, hence, they declared the match forfeited by Libya and awarded Nigeria a 3-0 victory. They have also fined the Libya Football Federation $50,000, with payment required within 60 days.
This decision strengthens Nigeria’s position as Group D leader with 10 points from four games. The ruling also underlines CAF’s commitment to fair play and sportsmanship. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) reported that the team’s chartered plane was unexpectedly diverted to Al-Abraq International Airport, despite approved landing documents to the main airport in Tripoli. NFF President Ibrahim Gusau condemned the incident as “despicable.” This ruling significantly influences the Group D standings. Nigeria remains on top with 10 points, followed by Benin with six points from four games, while Libya is at the bottom with one point. The top two teams in each group advance to the 24-team finals in Morocco next year.
