The Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) Disciplinary Committee has awarded Nigeria’s Super Eagles three points and three goals for their unplayed 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya, which was set for October 15 in Benina.
In its Saturday ruling, signed by chairman Ousmane Kane, the Disciplinary Board concluded that the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) violated Article 31 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations, along with Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.
“The Libyan Football Federation is found in breach of Article 31 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations, as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code,” the ruling stated. “Match No. 87, Libya vs. Nigeria, of the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers (scheduled for 15 October 2024 in Benghazi), is declared forfeited by Libya, with a 3-0 scoreline.”
The LFF was also fined $50,000, payable within 60 days of receiving this decision.
With this ruling, Nigeria moves closer to securing their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, needing only a few more points in their final two matches. Currently, the Super Eagles lead with 10 points from four games, putting them four points ahead of Benin, while Rwanda holds five points. Libya, in last place with just one point, has been eliminated from qualification.
A victory or draw against Benin Republic in Abidjan on Thursday, November 14 (matchday 5) would officially confirm Nigeria’s qualification for the tournament finals, to be held in Morocco between December 2025 and January 2026.
The Super Eagles had refused to play the match due to safety concerns after being stranded at the Al-Abraq airport near Benghazi for over 22 hours. The LFF, however, alleged that the Nigeria Football Federation had failed to cooperate with travel arrangements and also claimed that their own team had faced similar difficulties at Port Harcourt Airport in Nigeria during the previous fixture a week earlier.
