By Kayode John
The Libya Football Federation (LFF) has rejected the decision of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to award three points to Nigeria over the boycotted 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
The Super Eagles had pulled out of the October 15 return leg of the AFCON qualifying double-header against the Mediterranean Knights, following inhumane treatment by the Libyan authorities.
Nigeria’a plane was diverted mid-air and the players and officials were held up at an abandoned airport for up to 18 hours without food, water or access to the internet.
The North Africans deemed the treatment as payback for what they claimed their team experienced in Nigeria during the first leg, which the Super Eagles won 1-0 in Uyo on October 11.
CAF immediately launched an investigation through its disciplinary board after Nigeria and Libya presented evidence to prove their cases.
In a verdict released on Saturday, the continental football body awarded three points and three goals to Nigeria after finding Libya guilty of contravening its statutes. It also fined the LFF $50,000 which it said must be paid within 60 days.
However, according to Libya newspaper Ahkbar Libya 24, Secretary General of the LFF Nasser Al-Suwaie is dissatisfied with the decision and has pledged to resort to ‘all international legal means to appeal the decision’, which he considers ‘unjust’.
The publication added that Al-Suwaie said the LFF is not silent on the matter but studying the details of the decision issued by the disciplinary committee, indicating the possibility of escalating the matter to the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) if this ruling is not reversed.
With CAF’s verdict, Nigeria currently have 10 points from four matches and are four points clear of second-placed in the qualifying group table.
The Super Eagles will next face Benin Republic away on matchday 5 of the AFCON qualifiers on November 14.
