The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has announced plans to “pursue the highest levels of litigation” to challenge the sanctions imposed after the cancellation of Libya’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria.
The Super Eagles refused to play in Benghazi after their flight was redirected, leaving them stranded in an airport terminal overnight. Tensions between Libya and Nigeria had been escalating in the days leading up to the October 15 match.
Nigeria was given a 3-0 victory by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) disciplinary body after the match, and the LFF was fined $50,000 (£38,500).
“Match points cannot be awarded this way,” LFF acting president Abdunnaser Ahmed told BBC Sport Africa. “This is unparalleled in African football. Any team that refuses to play until a match is officially cancelled should be deemed the loser.
The decision now jeopardizes Libya’s chances of advancing, as the Mediterranean Knights must win both remaining Group D games and rely on Benin and Rwanda dropping points to stay in contention. While CAF stated that “all further motions or prayers for relief are dismissed,” Ahmed confirmed that the LFF is prepared to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) if necessary. “We believe our cause is just,” he said. “We will appeal to CAF and go to CAS if needed. We will not give up our right.”
Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong, however, called CAF’s decision “justice,” citing the diversion of their flight as dangerous. “The pilot had warned he was low on fuel,” he said in a post on X.
A ‘Most Unfortunate’ Situation
Nigeria has reported that their flight was unexpectedly diverted to Al Abraq, nearly 230 km (143 miles) from Benghazi, and upon arrival on October 13, they were not met by an LFF representative. The players shared frustrations on social media, stating they were left without food, Wi-Fi, or sleeping arrangements, prompting the squad to return to West Africa a day before the match.
Libya, meanwhile, protested about their treatment in Nigeria ahead of the rematch on October 11, which Nigeria won 1-0. The CAF cancelled the Benghazi match because Libya violated the rules of conduct, match security, and visiting team accommodations.
Troost-Ekong described the event as “mind games,” but the LFF denied any wrongdoing. Ahmed said that the CAF “did not evaluate the real situation,” stating that the plane was diverted for “technical and logistical reasons related to air navigation.”
Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar told BBC World Service that the situation was “most unfortunate” and exacerbated by Libya’s political divide. “Our team landed in a region controlled by an administration without diplomatic representation in Abuja,” according to him.
With the 3-0 walkover, Nigeria is now one win away from securing a spot in the 2025 Nations Cup in Morocco.