The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has ruled that Nigeria’s postponed African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya, originally scheduled for October 15, 2024, in Benghazi, has officially been forfeited by Libya. This decision awards a 3-0 victory to Nigeria, pushing them to a commanding lead in Group D with 10 points from four games. This ruling could shift the dynamics of the group, positioning the Super Eagles closer to securing a place in the 2025 AFCON tournament, while the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) faces significant repercussions.
Custodian News reports that, the ruling, made public on CAF’s Media Channel, outlined that the LFF breached Article 31 of the AFCON Regulations and Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code. As a result, CAF’s Disciplinary Board has imposed a $50,000 fine on the LFF, to be paid within 60 days. This substantial penalty reflects CAF’s stance on strict adherence to match scheduling and protocol, underscoring the Confederation’s push to preserve integrity and fairness in AFCON qualifiers.
The decision arose following Libya’s inability to fulfill the match requirements, though CAF has yet to release specific details on the precise nature of the breach. With the forfeiture and fine, Libya’s hopes of qualifying are at risk, as the team falls behind in both points and resources. This setback raises concerns for Libya’s AFCON journey, while Nigeria gains a crucial advantage without having to step onto the field.
CAF’s Disciplinary Board’s statement dismissed “all other motions or prayers for relief,” emphasizing that the ruling is final. Analysts say this underscores CAF’s firm stance on regulatory violations, particularly in cases where tournament scheduling and fair play are impacted. For Nigeria, this ruling not only extends their lead but also spares them the physical toll and travel demands of an away match, potentially giving them an edge as the qualifiers progress.
The fine imposed on Libya could have ripple effects for the LFF, already stretched financially and organizationally. The LFF now has 60 days to comply with the payment or face further sanctions. This financial penalty highlights CAF’s commitment to enforcing compliance, but it also raises questions about the federation’s ability to support Libya’s national team as it navigates the challenging AFCON qualifying landscape.
Nigerian football fans have greeted the news with enthusiasm, viewing the decision as a stepping stone towards the 2025 AFCON tournament. The Super Eagles, who have shown strong form in the qualifiers, now sit comfortably atop Group D. With only two matches remaining, they are well-positioned to secure qualification, with momentum and morale firmly on their side.
Libya’s forfeiture and the accompanying fine present a cautionary tale for other teams in the qualifiers, reinforcing the importance of compliance with CAF regulations. This development also sheds light on CAF’s disciplinary mechanisms and the repercussions of failing to meet match obligations, a reminder that could influence future tournament preparations across the continent.
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As Nigeria inches closer to AFCON qualification, this decision has energized supporters while stirring debate among analysts and fans regarding CAF’s handling of the incident. Regardless, Nigeria’s path to the tournament appears clearer, thanks to this unexpected ruling, which shifts the balance in Group D and intensifies the competition for the remaining qualifying spots.
