2025 AFCON Qualifier: CAF Awards Nigeria 3 Points, Sanctions Libya Over Airport Incident

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially awarded Nigeria a victory and the full three points in the botched 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya.

The decision came after an incident earlier this month that forced the Super Eagles to withdraw from the scheduled match in Libya.

The game, originally set for October 15 at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Benghazi, was marred by logistical issues when the Nigerian national team’s flight landed at Al Abaq airport. Players and coaching staff were held for over 20 hours without food or water, leading to Nigeria’s withdrawal.

Following the incident, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) instructed the team to return home, deeming the conditions unacceptable for the match to proceed. CAF launched an investigation into the matter, labelling the situation “disturbing.”

In its verdict on Saturday, CAF awarded the Super Eagles all three points for the cancelled match and fined the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) $50,000. CAF emphasised that the decision is final, and Libya has no option for appeal.

Reacting to the ruling, the Libyan Football Federation stated that the diversion of Nigeria’s flight was not “intentional.” Despite the claim, CAF’s disciplinary committee has held Libya responsible for the mishap, thus awarding the maximum points to Nigeria.