The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has granted Nigeria a win and three points in their 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya, which was postponed earlier this month.
The decision, announced by CAF in a statement on Saturday, October 26, 2024, marks a crucial boost for Nigeria’s qualification campaign.
Daily Patriot reported that the Nigerian Super Eagles had been scheduled to face Libya in an away game crucial to their qualification campaign.
However, upon arrival in Libya, the team was unexpectedly stranded in “disturbing conditions” for over 15 hours at Al Abraq International Airport after allegedly being directed to land there by Libyan authorities.
The debacle unfolded ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, with the Super Eagles stranded without assistance from the Libyan Football Federation.
The incident sparked outrage and accusations of “inhumane treatment,” leading to the team’s decision to return to Nigeria without playing the scheduled match.
As a result, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officially withdrew the Super Eagles from Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Libya, following a chaotic and frustrating 12-hour ordeal at Al Abraq International Airport.
CAF on the other hand referred the matter to its Disciplinary Board for a full investigation, promising that appropriate actions will be taken against any parties found in violation of CAF Statutes and Regulations.
In awarding Nigeria the victory, CAF in the statement cited regulations that allow for administrative decisions when a fixture cannot be completed as planned.
The three points bring Nigeria closer to securing a spot in the 2025 AFCON, set to be hosted by Morocco.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles, who have a rich history in the tournament, last won the AFCON in 2013 and reached the semi-finals in 2019, finishing in third place.
The team, featuring top talents across Europe’s major leagues, is one of the favourites to qualify from their group.
