The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is on the verge of delivering a much-anticipated verdict on the disrupted Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier between Libya and Nigeria. This critical ruling, expected on Thursday or Friday, could set a precedent in handling international football disputes, as Libya’s Football Federation (LFF) stands ready to appeal should the decision be unfavorable.
The qualifier, originally slated for October 15, was derailed by unexpected travel issues faced by Nigeria’s Super Eagles. The Nigerian squad, including top players, officials, and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau, endured a prolonged ordeal when their chartered flight from Benina Airport was redirected to Labraq Airport without prior notice. Tensions quickly mounted as the Nigerian delegation was left stranded for hours, prompting NFF’s President Gusau to label the treatment as “despicable.”
CAF’s inquiry, conducted remotely via Zoom, allowed both the Libyan and Nigerian delegations to present their accounts of the incident. The Libyan side, led by Secretary General Nasser Al-Suwaie and supported by Assistant Secretary General Mohamed Qrimida and a Tunisian lawyer, cited technical navigation concerns as the reason for the airport diversion. In response, the Nigerian Federation called upon the plane’s Tunisian captain as a witness to counter Libya’s explanation.
The controversy has intensified with Libya positioned last in the group standings, while Nigeria tops the table with seven points from three games after a recent 1-0 victory over Libya. This outcome places additional pressure on Libya, as the stakes are high for both teams hoping to secure qualification spots in the 24-team finals set for Morocco in 2025.
As the football community awaits CAF’s verdict, the stakes couldn’t be higher. If the ruling favors Nigeria, Libya’s standing could further diminish, complicating their qualification hopes. However, a ruling in Libya’s favor could shift group dynamics, impacting Nigeria’s qualification momentum. With Benin at six points and Rwanda close behind at five, the outcome could lead to a reshuffling of group leaders.
The ruling is expected to address both the procedural and ethical considerations of the incident, with CAF officials previously condemning the “disturbing conditions” the Nigerian team endured. The decision is likely to include recommendations for protocol adjustments to ensure smoother logistical coordination in future international fixtures.
Libya’s Al-Ahrar Channel reports that the LFF will challenge any decision perceived as unfavorable. This potential appeal adds yet another layer to the unfolding drama, as CAF is tasked with upholding the integrity of the tournament while ensuring fair treatment for all participating teams.
