Important Decree for Nigeria’s Road to 2025 AFCON
A significant development has taken place in the ongoing qualifying process for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board making a landmark decision that benefits the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
This milestone ruling was announced on October 26, affecting the Matchday 4 encounter between Nigeria and Libya, originally planned for October 15 in Benina. As a result, Nigeria has been awarded three points and three goals, significantly impacting the team’s qualification prospects.
The disciplinary committee’s decision highlights several critical points:
Firstly, the Libya Football Federation was found in breach of Article 31 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations, as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code, prompting the board’s decisive action.
Secondly, the match, originally scheduled as Match No. 87, has been officially declared a forfeit in favor of Nigeria, resulting in a score of 3-0, providing a strong push for the Super Eagles’ qualification.
Thirdly, the Libya Football Federation has been ordered to pay a substantial fine of USD 50,000, with the payment deadline set at 40 days from the date of notification.
Lastly, the board has dismissed all other motions or requests from the Libya Football Federation, reinforcing the finality of its ruling.
This decision puts the Super Eagles in a favorable position to secure their spot in the 2025 AFCON, with two matches remaining in the qualification series.
With 10 points from four matches, Nigeria is now four points ahead of second-placed Benin, while Rwanda trails with five points, and Libya, with a single point, has effectively been eliminated from qualification contention.
The upcoming match against Benin Republic on November 14 in Abidjan presents the Super Eagles with an opportunity to secure their place in the tournament, securing a spot with a win or draw, thereby guaranteeing their entry into the final tournament set to take place in Morocco from December 2025 to January 2026.
