After weeks of speculation and anticipation, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has given a verdict on the 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifier between Libya and Nigeria in Benghazi which was scheduled to be played on 15 October 2024.
The continent's football governing body, through its disciplinary board, has found the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) in breach of Articles 82 and 151 of its Disciplinary Code and in violation of Article 31 of its AFCON Regulations.
In a statement on its website and signed by Ousmane Kane, Chairperson of CAF's Disciplinary Board, CAF declared the game lost by forfeit by Libya by a score of 3-0.
Furthermore, the LFF has been ordered to pay a fine of USD 50,000 payable within 60 days of notification of the decision.
The disciplinary board also dismissed all other and further motions or prayers for relief by the LFF.
The Super Eagles, following this verdict, are now with 10 points in Group D of the qualifiers after four rounds of matches while Libya has just a point from the same number of games. Benin Republic lies second with six points, while Rwanda has five points and is third. Libya therefore, is out of the running for qualification.
Recall that the Super Eagles on arrival at a remote airport in Al Abraq had been left stranded for over 22 hours. Citing safety concerns, the team decided to boycott the game and return home.
