CAF reels out decision over Libya-Nigeria botched match

By Tosin Omojola

In its ruling on Saturday, signed by the Chairman, Ousmane Kane, the CAF Disciplinary Board decided as follows:

1. The Libya Football Federation was found to have breached Article 31 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations, as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.
2. Match No. 87 (Libya vs. Nigeria) of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers 2025, scheduled for October 15 in Benghazi, is declared forfeited by Libya, awarding Nigeria a 3-0 victory.
3. The Libya Football Federation is fined USD 50,000.
4. The fine is to be paid within 60 days from the notification of this decision.
5. All other motions or requests for relief are dismissed.

Implications of the Decision

This ruling improves Nigeria’s position to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with two matches remaining. The Super Eagles now have 10 points from four matches, placing them four points ahead of second-placed Benin Republic, while Rwanda has five points. Libya, with only one point, is eliminated from qualification.

A win or draw against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in Abidjan on Thursday, November 14 (Matchday 5), will secure Nigeria’s ticket to the finals in Morocco, scheduled for December 2025 to January 2026.