The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has awarded Nigeria a 3-0 victory in their postponed 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya. The match, originally scheduled for October 15 at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Benghazi, was called off after the Nigerian team was reportedly held "hostage" at Al Abaq airport for over 20 hours without food or water.
Following the incident, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced the Super Eagles' withdrawal from the match and instructed the team to return home. The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) claimed that the flight diversion was not intentional.
However, an investigation by CAF revealed that the LFF violated Article 31 of the African Cup of Nations Regulations, as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code. In a five-point decision, CAF declared the match forfeited by Libya and ordered the federation to pay a $50,000 fine within 60 days.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe emphasized that the organization would not tolerate unsporting behavior or unfair treatment in African football. With this ruling, Nigeria now sits at the top of Group D with 10 points from four matches, solidifying their position as they aim for qualification in the upcoming tournament