The Confederation of African Football has made a decision regarding the botched 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Group D qualifying fixture. Nigeria was awarded three goals and three points, while Libya was fined $50,000. This decision came after an investigation following a complaint by the Nigeria Football Federation due to the mistreatment of the Super Eagles during their visit to Libya.
The Nigerian contingent faced a 20-hour ordeal when their flight was diverted to a different airport far from the match venue. They were stranded without basic necessities and in poor conditions, leading to their inability to play the scheduled match. The Libyan Football Federation’s defense was deemed insufficient by the Disciplinary Committee.
As a result of the ruling, Libya lost the match by forfeit with a score of 3-0. They were also fined $50,000 for breaching regulations. Nigeria now stands on the verge of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, needing just a victory or draw in their upcoming match against Benin Republic.
Despite the decision, the Libyan Football Federation has appealed the ruling and enlisted legal representation to contest the verdict.