CAF Delays Verdict On Botched Nigeria-Libya AFCON Qualifier

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has not yet announced its decision regarding the disrupted AFCON qualifying match between Libya and Nigeria, initially scheduled for October 15 at Benina Martyrs Stadium.

This delay keeps all parties anxiously waiting as the regional football governing body reviews the incident that led to the Nigerian team’s protest and subsequent departure from Libya.

According to reports from BeIN Sports, the CAF Disciplinary Committee held a video conference on Wednesday where both the Libyan and Nigerian representatives presented their explanations of the events.

The match was officially cancelled by CAF after the Nigerian team protested their treatment upon arrival in Libya, where their flight was unexpectedly diverted to Labraq Airport. The team alleged they were detained for 18 hours without access to food or water.

Nigeria appealed to CAF for intervention during their detention, highlighting the severe conditions they faced. CAF President Patrice Motsepe has since confirmed that the incident is under thorough investigation.

He emphasized that CAF is currently reviewing its regulations concerning the treatment of visiting teams to ensure strict compliance and that the football body will not tolerate any deviations from these standards.

Meanwhile, a member of the FIFA Council, Amaju Pinnick, has announced that CAF is set to release its verdict on the disrupted 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Libya.

Pinnick said during an interview with Arise Television today, “CAF is taking this issue very seriously.

“CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, personifies integrity and Pan-Africanism.

“We deliberated on it in our executive committee meeting. It was a subject of intense discussion.

“We pointed out the fact that this is very serious because anything could have happened (to the Super Eagles).

“So, CAF are taking the matter seriously and we’re not leaving any stone unturned.”