CAF declares Nigeria Super Eagles winner of AFCON 2025 qualifier against Libya after 20-hour hostage ordeal
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been declared winners of their AFCON 2025 qualifying match against Libya after facing a 20-hour hostage situation at Al-Abraq Airport.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on 23 October 2024 that Nigeria would be awarded a 3-0 victory after the Libya Football Federation was found guilty of breaking several rules related to the treatment of the Nigerian team.
The match, initially scheduled for 15 October in Benghazi, was disrupted when the Nigerian team’s flight was diverted without warning. The squad was forced to land at a distant airport and held there for almost 20 hours without proper food or water, causing outrage among Nigerian officials and fans.
CAF’s Disciplinary Board ruled that Libya must forfeit the match, awarding a 3-0 win to Nigeria. Libya was also fined $50,000, which must be paid within 60 days.
This ruling highlights the seriousness of Libya’s actions and sends a strong message about the importance of proper conduct in international football matches.
