CAF Awards Three Points and Three Goals to Nigeria in Botched AFCON 2025 Qualifier Against Libya

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board has awarded Nigeria three points and three goals following the abandoned Matchday 4 qualifier between Libya and Nigeria, originally set to take place in Benghazi on October 15.

The ruling, issued on Saturday and signed by CAF Disciplinary Board Chairman Ousmane Kane, determined that the Libya Football Federation violated Article 31 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations and Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

The decision outlines the following key sanctions:

1. The Libya Football Federation is found guilty of breaching CAF regulations and disciplinary codes.
2. The Libya vs. Nigeria match (Match No. 87) for the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, scheduled for October 15 in Benghazi, is ruled as a 3-0 forfeit win for Nigeria.
3. The Libya Football Federation must pay a USD 50,000 fine within 60 days of the ruling.
4. All other requests for further relief or appeals have been dismissed.

This decision propels Nigeria closer to qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. With ten points from four matches, Nigeria now stands four points ahead of second-placed Benin Republic, while Rwanda sits at five points. Libya, with just one point, is officially out of the qualification race.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will now look forward to their Matchday 5 clash against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic on Thursday, November 14, in Abidjan. A win or a draw in that encounter will secure Nigeria’s spot in the tournament, scheduled to be held in Morocco from December 2025 to January 2026.