Libya Appeals CAF Ruling Awarding Nigeria 3-0 Win After Disrupted AFCON Qualifier; $50K Fine Imposed on Libya

| By Adejumo Adekunle –

The Libyan Football Federation has formally appealed a recent ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that granted Nigeria three points and three goals in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier initially set for October 15 in Benina, Libya.

CAF’s decision followed an investigation into Libya’s handling of the Nigerian team’s arrival, which included a reported 20-hour ordeal involving a diverted flight, a prolonged wait at Labraq Airport—300 kilometers from Benghazi—and lack of basic necessities like food and water. The Nigerian team eventually abandoned the match and returned home.

In response, CAF’s disciplinary committee, led by Ousmane Kane, determined that Libya had breached Article 31 of the AFCON regulations and Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code. The committee ruled in favor of Nigeria, awarding them a 3-0 forfeit win and imposing a $50,000 fine on Libya.

If upheld, this decision puts Nigeria on track for a spot in the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco, leaving Libya with just one point in Group D and limited qualification prospects.