The Disciplinary Board of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has rendered a significant decision regarding the ongoing qualification process for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
In a ruling announced on Saturday, October 26, the Super Eagles of Nigeria has been awarded three points and three goals due to the controversy surrounding their Matchday 4 encounter against Libya. This match was originally scheduled to take place on October 15 in Benina.
The ruling, which was signed by the chairman of the disciplinary committee, Ousmane Kane, outlines several key points which are:
1. The Libya Football Federation was found in violation of Article 31 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations, in addition to breaching Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code. These violations prompted the board’s decisive action.
2. Match No. 87, which was set for Libya versus Nigeria as part of the AFCON Qualifiers, has been officially declared a forfeit in favour of Nigeria, resulting in a score of 3-0.
3. In addition to the match forfeiture, the Libya Football Federation has been ordered to pay a substantial fine of USD 50,000.
4. The Libya Football Federation is required to settle this fine within 40 days from the official notification of the decision.
5. The board has also dismissed all other motions or requests for relief presented by the Libya Football Federation, reinforcing the finality of its ruling.
As a result of this decision, the Super Eagles of Nigeria are now in a favourable position to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, with two matches remaining in the qualification series.
Currently, the Super Eagles stand on 10 points from four matches, putting them four points ahead of the second-placed Benin Republic. In contrast, Rwanda sits with five points, while Libya, with only one point, has been effectively eliminated from contention for qualification.
As it stands, the Super Eagles of Nigeria will have the opportunity to secure their place in the tournament during their upcoming match against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic on November 14 in Abidjan. A victory or even a draw in that encounter would guarantee the Super Eagles a spot in the final tournament scheduled to take place in Morocco from December 2025 to January 2026.
