ABUJA, Oct 25 (AGCNewsNet) – The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is expected to announce its decision regarding the disrupted Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match between Libya and Nigeria, which was scheduled to take place on October 15.

According to Libya’s Al-Ahrar Channel, CAF’s verdict may be released on Thursday or Friday, and the Libyan Football Federation has indicated that it will appeal if the ruling is unfavorable.

In a recent remote hearing, CAF officials questioned representatives from both federations about the events that led to the Nigerian team’s plane being diverted from Benina Airport to Labraq Airport. The Libyan Football Federation cited technical air navigation reasons, supported by the involvement of its Secretary General Nasser Al-Suwaie, Assistant Secretary-General, Mohamed Qrimida, and a Tunisian lawyer. On the Nigerian side, a Tunisian pilot provided testimony, detailing the flight’s challenges upon arrival in Libya.

This episode has heightened tensions between the two federations, with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) condemning the treatment of the Super Eagles, Nigeria's national team. CAF previously called the incident “disturbing and unacceptable,” describing how the team was stranded at the Libyan airport for hours under difficult conditions.

The NFF detailed the series of complications the team experienced after arriving in Libya on a ValueJet charter flight. Despite holding the necessary documentation, the plane was diverted to Al-Abraq International Airport, where the team encountered delays. NFF President Ibrahim Gusau and Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, who were both on board, condemned the treatment, calling it “despicable” and contrary to the spirit of international sportsmanship.

“We anticipated some challenges given the misinformation coming from Libya, but what unfolded was disgraceful and should have no place in sports,” said Gusau, adding that such incidents go against the purpose of football as a unifying sport.

The controversy could impact the AFCON qualifying standings. Nigeria currently leads Group B with seven points from three games, having defeated Libya 1-0 in a prior encounter. Benin follows with six points from four games, while Rwanda holds five points, and Libya remains at the bottom with one point from three games. The top two teams in each group will secure a spot in the AFCON finals, set to take place in Morocco next year.

The football community is awaiting CAF's decision, hoping for a fair outcome that respects the integrity of the sport and addresses the grievances of both federations.