Nigeria have been awarded the victory after they forfeited their game against Libya earlier this month after being stranded at an airport in the North African country.
Nigeria refused to play their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier earlier this month after they alleged their plane was diverted upon arrival in Libya without access to food, drink, or phone connection in an attempt to play mind games before the game.
The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF), the controlling body for association football in Africa, promised to investigate the matter and take “appropriate action” and have now awarded the game to Nigeria by a 3-0 scoreline.
The federation have also fined the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) $50,000 (£38,577). The LFF previously rejected any suggestion of “foul play or sabotage”.
— William Troost-Ekong (M.O.N) (@WTroostEkong) October 14, 2024
A statement from CAF on Saturday read: “The LFF was found to have breached Article 31 of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Regulations as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.
“The match, Libya v. Nigeria of the TotalEnergies CAF African Cup of Nations Qualifiers 2025 (scheduled to be played on October 15 ), is declared lost by forfeit by Libya (by a score of 3-0).
“The LFF is ordered to pay a fine of USD 50,000 (£38,577). The fine is to be paid within 60 days of notification of the present decision. All other and further motions or prayers for relief have been dismissed.”
Article 31 of the AFCON regulations state that a committee must be at the airport to meet any visiting delegation, provide facilities for entry into the country, provide a liaison officer to delegate between the two associations, and provide transport for the visiting delegation.
CAF also decided that Libya failed to adhere to a rule that stated that: “National associations, clubs, officials and members, as well as their players, shall respect the
principles of loyalty, integrity, sportsmanship and ethics” as well as complying and implementing existing safety rules and ensuring the safety of players and officials of the visiting team during their stay.
JUSTICE: CAF awards three points and three goals to Nigeria. Libya fined $50,000.
Plane was diverted 300km from scheduled airport even when the pilot told them he was low on fuel.
One step closer to our target AFCON 2025 🇳🇬
— William Troost-Ekong (M.O.N) (@WTroostEkong) October 26, 2024
Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong alleged that the team were denied access to a hotel and had to call on the Nigerian government to rescue them, labelling the situation “disgraceful”.
In response to the CAF decision Troost-Ekong posted “justice”. “One step closer to our target of AFCON 2025,” he added.
The LFF previously stated it “firmly reject(s) any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation”.
GO DEEPER
Nigeria say they will forfeit AFCON qualifier after being stuck in Libyan airport for 12 hours
(Photo: @WTroostEkong on X)
