CAF is set to announce its decision on the controversial AFCON qualifier between Libya and Nigeria, with Nigeria pushing for heavy sanctions against Libya.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is expected to deliver its ruling today on the controversial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group D qualifying match between Libya and Nigeria, which was originally scheduled to take place on 15 October at Benina Martyrs Stadium, Benina.
The match had already faced a series of logistical challenges, having been moved from Martyrs of February Stadium in Benghazi to the smaller 10,000-capacity Benina Martyrs Stadium, just 10 kilometres away, at the last minute.
This change came after Libya’s 1-0 loss to Nigeria in the first leg, held at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo three days earlier.
The Nigerian national team’s journey to Libya was fraught with difficulties. The flight carrying the Super Eagles was unexpectedly diverted by Libyan authorities, forcing the plane to land at Al-Abraq Airport, far from the intended destination.
The team was held at the airport for nearly 18 hours without food or water, leaving them exhausted and malnourished by the time they returned to Nigeria on the following Monday.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) promptly lodged a complaint with CAF, citing inhumane treatment and requesting disciplinary action. As a result, CAF suspended the match and referred the case to its Disciplinary Committee.
On Tuesday, CAF’s Executive Committee held a hearing with representatives from both sides during its meeting in Ethiopia, with a decision to be announced today.
Abdul Hakim Al-Shalmani, President of the Libyan Football Association, defended Libya’s actions, stating that the Libyan team had faced similar challenges in Nigeria but still played and lost the match.
Al-Shalmani also emphasised Libya’s warm reception of other African teams, using recent matches between Sudan and Ghana at Benina Stadium as examples.
From the Nigerian side, former NFF President and current FIFA member Amaju Pinnick presented several accusations against Libya, supported by fellow CAF Executive Committee members, including Augustin Senghor from Senegal, Seidou Mbombo Njoya from Cameroon, and Isha Johansen from Sierra Leone.
As the football world awaits CAF’s ruling, Nigerian football stakeholders are united in their belief that Libya should face heavy sanctions.
Chief Victor Rumson Baribote, former Chairman of the Nigeria Premier League, expressed confidence in Nigeria’s case, particularly citing the diversion of the Nigerian team’s flight as a violation of aviation rules and an act of retaliation by Libya.
Baribote added, “CAF must clamp down heavily on Libya, as their actions amounted to slavery and inhuman treatment, which the African Charter condemns.”
David Doherty, a UK-based football administrator and NFF presidential candidate, also weighed in, stating, “CAF should impose sanctions on Libya or a significant fine, with the condition that all their future matches be played outside of Libya.”
Other Nigerian football fans shared similar sentiments. One fan, Kazeem Anjorin, stressed the need for CAF to take decisive action to prevent such incidents from happening again, ensuring accountability and fairness in African football.
As anticipation builds, the outcome of CAF’s decision will determine whether the match will be rescheduled or if Libya will face penalties, including the possibility of forfeiting the three points to Nigeria.