CAF disciplines Libya, awards Nigeria with three points

Nigeria’s Football Federation (NFF) made a formal complaint to the administrative body after allegations of maltreatment by their colleagues during their travel for a scheduled match.

The Super Eagles were listed to play Libya on October 15 but had their flight originally heading for Benghazi diverted to a smaller airport in Al Abraq, located about two hours away from the Benghazi airport.

The NFF indicated that the players were left stranded at the Al Abraq International Airport for about 12 hours after their arrival.

The airport gates were locked with no transportation provided for the team to move to their hotel rooms. There was also no access to food, drink or internet connection during the period, the NFF further noted.

The players resolved not to play the match any longer and returned home.

The CAF Disciplinary Board announced its disciplinary actions in a statement released on October 26.

It indicated a breach of Article 31 of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Regulations and Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

CAF further awarded a score of 3 points to Nigeria and fined the Libyan Football Federation.

“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). 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,” parts of the statement said.