Nigeria/Libya: Ekong Excited As CAF Awards Nigeria Three Points, Fines Libya $50,000

Femi Solaja

Super Eagles on field Captain, William Troost-Ekong, is excited that the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has ruled in favour of Nigeria in the botched AFCON 2025 qualifying match in Libya two weeks ago.

The African football ruling body, CAF’s Disciplinary Committee awarded Nigeria three points and three goals after the Libyans aborted the Match-day 4 encounter scheduled for October 15 in Benina, Benghazi after holding Super Eagles and their officials hostage in an abandoned airport for close to 20 hours.

CAF’s ruling in favour of Nigeria was based on overwhelming evidence tabled by NFF against Libya.

Troost-Ekong who was the MVP for the 2023 AFCON took to social media to celebrate what he termed a ‘just’ decision, reflecting on the challenges faced by the Nigerian team.

He had previously detailed the difficulties encountered, including locked airport gates that left players and officials without food, drink, or phone access.

Troost-Ekong, who has been shortlisted for the CAF Player of the Year award, was pleased to see Nigeria’s decision to refuse to play Libya vindicated.

“Justice: CAF awards three points and three goals to Nigeria. Libya fined $50,000,” he wrote on his X handle yesterday.

He further elaborated, “Plane was diverted 300km from the scheduled airport even when the pilot told them he was low on fuel. One step closer to our target AFCON 2025.” CAF’s disciplinary board also fined Libya $50,000.

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