By Deborah Nnamdi
The Libya Football Federation (LFF) has formally appealed to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to reconsider the penalties imposed against it for the botched 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Nigeria.
A Libyan news outlet alwasat.ly reports that the North African country had engaged Tunisian attorney Ali Abbas to argue its case, deeming the CAF’s judgment “unfair.”
The decision was prompted by a complaint from the Nigerian Football Federation, which led to an investigation by CAF’s disciplinary committee. The Super Eagles reportedly faced a gruelling 20-hour ordeal due to a diverted flight, a prolonged wait at Al Abraq Airport—300 kilometres from their intended destination in Benghazi—and subpar conditions.
The Nigerian contingent also suffered a lack of food and water, which ultimately forced the Nigerian government to pull out the match and return home.
CAF, on the heel of a petition by the Nigeria Football Federation, awarded a 3-0 victory to Nigeria’s Super Eagles and imposed a $50,000 fine on Libya for logistical and organizational failures, which allegedly caused severe delays and inconveniences for the Nigerian team ahead of the originally scheduled match in Benghazi.
The ruling places Libya at the bottom of Group D in the qualifiers, significantly affecting their chances of progressing.
According to a statement by CAF’s Disciplinary Board, led by Ousmane Kane, the LFF was found in breach of AFCON regulations and CAF’s disciplinary code.
In response, the LFF has reportedly engaged Tunisian lawyer Ali Abbas to help defend its case, asserting that the punishment is overly severe.
The appeal’s outcome could impact Libya and Nigeria’s qualification standings, as Nigeria now requires only one point to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
