The Confederation of African Football, CAF, has ruled that Libya’s national team will forfeit three points to Nigeria’s Super Eagles over the treatment of the latter in Libya.

The North African country will also pay a fine, CAF ruled.

The ruling was CAF’s decision on the botched Nations Cup qualifier between Libya and Nigeria, which was scheduled for Tuesday, 15 October.

The Nigerian team decided not to proceed with the encounter after their flight into Benghazi from Kano was diverted without prior notification.

The flight was diverted to Al-Abraq International Airport where the Super Eagles players and crew were kept waiting for over 12 hours.

The CAF Disciplinary Board said because Libya violated AFCON Regulations and the CAF Disciplinary Code —specifically Articles 31, 82, and 151- CAF has declared the match forfeited by Libya and awarded Nigeria a 3-0 victory.

CAF also fined the Libya Football Federation $50,000, with payment required within 60 days.

Nigeria’s team endured a grueling experience, being stranded at the airport for over 12 hours before the match.

This decision strengthens Nigeria’s position as Group D leader with 10 points from four games.

The ruling also underlines CAF’s commitment to fair play and sportsmanship.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) reported that the team’s chartered plane was unexpectedly diverted to Al-Abraq International Airport, despite approved landing documents to the main airport in Tripoli.

NFF President Ibrahim Gusau condemned the incident as “despicable.”

This ruling significantly influences the Group D standings. Nigeria remains on top with 10 points, followed by Benin with six points from four games, while Libya is at the bottom with one point.

The top two teams in each group advance to the 24-team finals in Morocco next year.

Super Eagles players are beginning to react to the decision of the Confederation of African Football, CAF, to punish Libya for the botched 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

In reaction to the news in a post via his verified X.com, William Troost-Ekong wrote, “JUSTICE: CAF awards three points and three goals to Nigeria. Libya fined $50,000.

“The plane was diverted 300km from the scheduled airport, even when the pilot told them he was low on fuel.

“One step closer to our target AFCON 2025.”

In his own post, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali quote-tweeted CAF’s announcement and asked: “$50k for eba?