The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has granted Nigeria a 3-0 victory and full points in their 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya.
The decision, announced on Saturday, follows a review of significant logistical challenges faced by the Super Eagles during their away leg.
In the original match, Nigeria claimed a narrow 1-0 victory at home in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. However, the team encountered considerable issues on the trip for the return leg, including a redirected flight, over 18 hours of delays, and numerous logistical setbacks.
These disruptions impacted Nigeria’s preparation and were flagged for CAF’s review.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe addressed the issue at CAF’s 46th Ordinary General Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, promising firm action against similar situations across Africa.
Although he refrained from discussing specifics, Motsepe emphasized that CAF would no longer tolerate such incidents, highlighting a push for fair treatment and improved standards in African football.
But he assured that “the process has been properly investigated and appropriate action will be taken”.
He said “When there was this problem with the Nigerian national team in Libya, and I will not comment on that, because there’s a proper investigation.
“But I want to emphasise a principle that we will not tolerate, because this is something that has been going on for quite some time.
“Your national team, let me emphasise, forget about the Nigeria and Libya situation, because that process has been properly investigated, and appropriate action will be taken.”
The South African highlighted recurring instances in African football where visiting teams are sometimes treated poorly.
“Too many stories have been told of national teams or football clubs going to a country, and they spend hours at the airport, being asked about documents that don’t exist,” Motsepe said.
The CAF President emphasised the importance of treating visiting teams with respect and dignity, pointing to the principle of fairness in competition.
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