Is the CAF really taking responsibility?

[Hispo]

I'm not sure what to say but it seems like Nigeria players weren't welcomed properly at Libya airport and that's why they returned back. It's really strange that Super Eagles of Nigeria weren't able to play vs Libya game. And, it seems like CAF isn't taking proper action against those Libyan authorities who misused their powers.

I have gotten no further context of all this situation but I would not be surprised there was some actual malice when the Nigerian team flown to Libya and they were not taken care of as they should have, there is much corruption when comes to politics in Africa, in general. The problem is actually bigger if someone within Nigerian government decided to retaliate by mistreating the Libyan team as soon as they got the chance to do so.
Honestly, these kind of drama only makes it difficult for the regular people to enjoy the sport and further engage in sport betting, you know?
If powerful people is willing to interfere with the stay conditions of a visiting team, then how can we sure they would not be also willing to fix matches as well?

[adultcrypto]

I’m creating this trend to discuss the importance of the AFCON and the countries involved. Considering what is really going on with Nigeria and Libya. It’s obvious the CAF aren’t taking accurate measures towards the welfare of this countries and it’s players. Considering how football unites different categories of people and the fun is enjoyable . Without taking full responsibilities and measures could see countries clashing with each other as a result of ignorance of the CAF.

Let’s discuss the issues at hand and also outline the solutions to each problems.
Before this turns from being fun to bringing conflict.
Let’s keep the fun going

I think we already have a thread dedicated for AFCON discussion that would have been best for this discussion since it is an ongoing one that have already been touched by many people. But for better visibility, creating a thread is also fine. The issue that happened between Nigeria and Libya is actually an unfortunate one that should never have been seen in this modern times. I think such things was possible because of the political instability of Libya, a country that is yet to stabilize so then really do not care about many things at this point so even if CAF uses the hammer on them, they are not much bordered as they have more important things to think about now than football. CAF understood this that is why they are being cautious not to be too hard on them, hoping that football could help them unite and overcome their challenges.

[alegotardo]

I have gotten no further context of all this situation but I would not be surprised there was some actual malice when the Nigerian team flown to Libya and they were not taken care of as they should have, there is much corruption when comes to politics in Africa, in general. The problem is actually bigger if someone within Nigerian government decided to retaliate by mistreating the Libyan team as soon as they got the chance to do so.
Honestly, these kind of drama only makes it difficult for the regular people to enjoy the sport and further engage in sport betting, you know?
If powerful people is willing to interfere with the stay conditions of a visiting team, then how can we sure they would not be also willing to fix matches as well?

What I have read officially is that CAF has formed a disciplinary committee headed by Ousmane Kane of Senegal to investigate the circumstances surrounding Nigeria’s withdrawal from the match that was scheduled for that match in Libya.

I do not know who the people on this committee are, but it seems to me that they are “notable” people who have the influence to make decisions.

What surprised me was the NFF’s retaliation in refuting all these allegations, attributing the logistical dilemmas to the LFF and claiming that they failed to communicate essential information about their arrival and made last-minute changes to the landing site from Uyo to Port Harcourt, as if this had been the LFF’s choice.

Anyway, in the end, I believe that nothing will happen and the ones who will really pay for this are the fans who were unable to watch the game.

[EarnOnVictor]

-snip-
Let’s discuss the issues at hand and also outline the solutions to each problems.
Before this turns from being fun to bringing conflict.

Who cares if it turns into a conflict?

It is an affront by Libya against Nigeria, Nigeria should reciprocate, enough of this nonsense. First, CAF would sanction Libya and I believe FIFA would do something. This is more possible since the pilot confirmed that it was Libyan authorities who deliberately diverted the plane and treated Nigerian players like that. However, before the response of CAF and FIFA, Nigeria should never fly to Libya to play that match again, another country should be chosen for the match in a show of protest.

We do not want a mere football match that should have promoted friendship to result in conflict. Nigerians will suffer more if this issue escalates. How many Libyans live in Nigeria? It might be an insignificant number but thousands of Nigerians live in Libya because it is a major route to illegally migrate to Europe. They might become more hostile to Nigerians in Libya if this problem is not handled well.  

I understand you, but on the contrary, I guess you wanted to say thousands of Nigerians endure in Libya? That's more reason they believe they can treat the country like trash.

That's by the way, I never meant that kind of conflict that would result in confrontations, it's a sport. There are legal ways of doing this which I stated part of it above in a peaceful protest. Libya has committed an offence against Nigeria in the name of football, the world's football governing bodies should see to it in their hierarchy and hugely sanction the erring party. Not only that, Nigeria should never play in Libya for a while, a neutral field is okay for such a country you can't even trust. Their action is evil.

[MrEazyLife]

I’m creating this trend to discuss the importance of the AFCON and the countries involved. Considering what is really going on with Nigeria and Libya. It’s obvious the CAF aren’t taking accurate measures towards the welfare of this countries and it’s players. Considering how football unites different categories of people and the fun is enjoyable . Without taking full responsibilities and measures could see countries clashing with each other as a result of ignorance of the CAF.

Let’s discuss the issues at hand and also outline the solutions to each problems.
Before this turns from being fun to bringing conflict.
Let’s keep the fun going

I think we already have a thread dedicated for AFCON discussion that would have been best for this discussion since it is an ongoing one that have already been touched by many people. But for better visibility, creating a thread is also fine. The issue that happened between Nigeria and Libya is actually an unfortunate one that should never have been seen in this modern times. I think such things was possible because of the political instability of Libya, a country that is yet to stabilize so then really do not care about many things at this point so even if CAF uses the hammer on them, they are not much bordered as they have more important things to think about now than football. CAF understood this that is why they are being cautious not to be too hard on them, hoping that football could help them unite and overcome their challenges.

If truly what you’re saying is actually the way it is. I won’t argue with that in anyways. But then this has nothing to do with other countries peace of mind and the fun football brings. This is their problem if if CAF is trying not to be hard on them in the mindset of uniting them. They shouldn’t be overlooked when going against rules like what they’ve done. We all know how politics has effects some many countries both positively and negatively. But it’s left for them and their colonial governments to Peale things right and not spreading their legs outside using that as a means to create conflict

[Rockstarguy]

I'm not sure what to say but it seems like Nigeria players weren't welcomed properly at Libya airport and that's why they returned back. It's really strange that Super Eagles of Nigeria weren't able to play vs Libya game. And, it seems like CAF isn't taking proper action against those Libyan authorities who misused their powers.

This act is so unprofessional, I think it shouldn't be a matter that the CAF will take so lightly,  let their be actions because if nothing is done about it I believe something similar to this can still happen in the future. If truely this was a planned action, it happens because they know there won't be any consequences to it. Football is a professional game and every behaviour must be in a professional manner, rules which people needs to follow up. I don't know the reason for such behaviour but I think it needs to be corrected to make the Africa football to be more professional.

[Charles-Tim]

I do not know if it is a rumour yet but I am reading it from some sources that Nigeria will likely be awarded 3 points and 3 goals as a punishment for what Libya did. It is clear how it is the fault of Libya. Also Libya will not be allowed to play at home for 3 consecutive matches and that they will be fined. I do not know how true this is for now but I think it would be a good punishment.

[Hatchy]

I’m creating this trend to discuss the importance of the AFCON and the countries involved. Considering what is really going on with Nigeria and Libya. It’s obvious the CAF aren’t taking accurate measures towards the welfare of this countries and it’s players. Considering how football unites different categories of people and the fun is enjoyable . Without taking full responsibilities and measures could see countries clashing with each other as a result of ignorance of the CAF.

Let’s discuss the issues at hand and also outline the solutions to each problems.
Before this turns from being fun to bringing conflict.
Let’s keep the fun going

CAF has always been watching over the matches for a long time. The recently clash between Nigeria shouldn't be a reason to conclude about them being irresponsible. We have seen some other clashes In the past and it had been resolved accordingly. The fact that Nigeria actually made a mistake when libya players came to Nigeria wasn't enough reason for them to actually take actions into their hands. I was really disappointed by how they reacted even though they made it seem like it wasn't their fault which we all know it was just a payback thing. My own concern about this issue is that the CAF should take necessary actions, so we don see more of this in the African football community....

[EluguHcman]

There had been various news in the air of the CAF penalizing the both countries by delisting the Nigerian and the Libyan football teams from participating in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, another sighting the CAF is deciding on giving Libyan football teams 2-3 points as Nigerian teams already decided not to participate in the match due to their experience when they landed at Libya against the match. Also The Nigerian team said they can not afford to their best in returning glory of winning home for their country after the mayhem mistreated has occurred to them that the Libyans may launch brutal mayhems of them if they defeats the Libyan teams in their home. So they thought fearfully

Other news flies that the CAF has suspended Libyan football teams until 2027 from partaking on the AFCON.

While these rumours has been flying around, some others follows where some other Islamic neighboring countries of Libyans are calling to back Libya up in this case of AFCON so that they don't get penalized.
If this is true, I don't think if it would be a healthy situation for the African countries by which football as a game being a measure of connecting and unifying them would be the same to separate them.

There is no need turning this is o religious disputes neither a good impact if this countries in good relationship would let football bring them apart.
Let the CAF act accordingly that even if any of the parties would be sanctioned, let them not hesitate to moderate the welfare as well.

[Fiatless]

I do not know if it is a rumour yet but I am reading it from some sources that Nigeria will likely be awarded 3 points and 3 goals as a punishment for what Libya did. It is clear how it is the fault of Libya. Also Libya will not be allowed to play at home for 3 consecutive matches and that they will be fined. I do not know how true this is for now but I think it would be a good punishment.

The latest development is that CAF has demanded that the Nigerian Football Federation and Libya Football Federation (LFF) should give a detailed explanation of what transpired in the cancelled return leg match. They are required to submit relevant documents to back up their claims. It is clear that Libyans intentionally humiliated the Super Eagles because they felt they were treated badly by NFF. They will be found guilty since they decided to take action instead of reporting to CAF. Three points and three goals is a fair punishment. With this sanction, they have no hope of qualifying, while the Super Eagles will get automatic qualification.

[Charles-Tim]

Three points and three goals is a fair punishment. With this sanction, they have no hope of qualifying, while the Super Eagles will get automatic qualification.

Even aside this, Libya chance to qualify is very low. It is the worst team on group D. Probably the reason they are doing as they like. Rwanda and Benin Republic are better. If only two countries will qualify, Libya can not be among. But if the match is even cancelled, Nigeria chance to qualify is very high (the highest among the 4 clubs). We are still leading with 1 point despite that we have only 3 matches played while Rwanda and Benin Republic have played four matches. Yet, we are still going to play good while meeting the two countries in the last two matches left.

[Marykeller]

Three points and three goals is a fair punishment. With this sanction, they have no hope of qualifying, while the Super Eagles will get automatic qualification.

Even without this ugly incident occurring, Libya wouldn't have won against the Super Eagles at their home; even though they did, they wouldn't at the end of AFCON qualified to be among the two teams that would have qualified out of the Group D table. It would still be the Super Eagles, either Benin or Rwanda. For the Libya team, they will remain in the 4th spot with 3 points, not qualifying in the AFCON tournament next year that will be hosted in Morocco. Withstanding this, CAF has to take the necessary measures to address this, for this terrible act not to repeat because this incident didn't portray the spirit of sportsmanship in football

[SatoPrincess]

Three points and three goals is a fair punishment. With this sanction, they have no hope of qualifying, while the Super Eagles will get automatic qualification.

Even aside this, Libya chance to qualify is very low. It is the worst team on group D. Probably the reason they are doing as they like. Rwanda and Benin Republic are better. If only two countries will qualify, Libya can not be among. But if the match is even cancelled, Nigeria chance to qualify is very high (the highest among the 4 clubs). We are still leading with 1 point despite that we have only 3 matches played while Rwanda and Benin Republic have played four matches. Yet, we are still going to play good while meeting the two countries in the last two matches left.

Yes Nigeria is going to qualify either way. If the match had been held as planned, Nigeria would have won Libya comfortably, there is no doubt about it. There are speculations of what might be CAF punishment for Libya, a point deduction will send them out of the qualifiers. I think CAF should come up with a more strict punishment because point deduction or not, Libya are not qualifying for the AFCON so removing their points will not have any consequences on them and they will not learn from it. A huge fine and a year ban should be an appropriate punishment in my opinion.

[MrEazyLife]

Three points and three goals is a fair punishment. With this sanction, they have no hope of qualifying, while the Super Eagles will get automatic qualification.

Even aside this, Libya chance to qualify is very low. It is the worst team on group D. Probably the reason they are doing as they like. Rwanda and Benin Republic are better. If only two countries will qualify, Libya can not be among. But if the match is even cancelled, Nigeria chance to qualify is very high (the highest among the 4 clubs). We are still leading with 1 point despite that we have only 3 matches played while Rwanda and Benin Republic have played four matches. Yet, we are still going to play good while meeting the two countries in the last two matches left.

Yes Nigeria is going to qualify either way. If the match had been held as planned, Nigeria would have won Libya comfortably, there is no doubt about it. There are speculations of what might be CAF punishment for Libya, a point deduction will send them out of the qualifiers. I think CAF should come up with a more strict punishment because point deduction or not, Libya are not qualifying for the AFCON so removing their points will not have any consequences on them and they will not learn from it. A huge fine and a year ban should be an appropriate punishment in my opinion.

I fully support your opinion which I think should be the best punishment so others who thought of harboring such behavior will have a rethink

[AmoreJaz]

Three points and three goals is a fair punishment. With this sanction, they have no hope of qualifying, while the Super Eagles will get automatic qualification.

Even without this ugly incident occurring, Libya wouldn't have won against the Super Eagles at their home; even though they did, they wouldn't at the end of AFCON qualified to be among the two teams that would have qualified out of the Group D table. It would still be the Super Eagles, either Benin or Rwanda. For the Libya team, they will remain in the 4th spot with 3 points, not qualifying in the AFCON tournament next year that will be hosted in Morocco. Withstanding this, CAF has to take the necessary measures to address this, for this terrible act not to repeat because this incident didn't portray the spirit of sportsmanship in football

They know their capabilities so to speak. So even without the penalties, they won't qualify. But hopefully, the next time around, Libya should show sportsmanship in every match they take. They will be branded negatively if they will have the same similar incident in the future. They need to remember that at the end of the day, this is sports and they should not take this personally whenever they are inside the field.

[EarnOnVictor]

I wonder why no one is talking about the recently delivered CAF's verdict on the Nigeria/Libya episode despite having a good argument shortly after Libya's ignoble act against the Nigerian team.

I was happy yesterday when I read from various news outlets that Libya was heavily sanctioned by the CAF. The football body automatically awarded 3 goals and 3 points to the Nigerian team for the match they did not play (Libya 0 - Nigeria 3). Not only that, Libya was also fined $50,000 for this ugly act. This is what I call justice!

https://x.com/NigeriaStories/status/1850161919262437582

[MrEazyLife]

I wonder why no one is talking about the recently delivered CAF's verdict on the Nigeria/Libya episode despite having a good argument shortly after Libya's ignoble act against the Nigerian team.

I was happy yesterday when I read from various news outlets that Libya was heavily sanctioned by the CAF. The football body automatically awarded 3 goals and 3 points to the Nigerian team for the match they did not play (Libya 0 - Nigeria 3). Not only that, Libya was also fined $50,000 for this ugly act. This is what I call justice!

https://x.com/NigeriaStories/status/1850161919262437582

This is indeed a fair judgment from the CAF board. I mean it was so obvious that the Libyan were so intentional towards act against the Nigerian team. Serves them right and with this I strongly believe other countries will learn and take caution.
No one should spoil the fun that football brings and also the love and unity.
The CAF not just passing judgement but should also take responsibilities to ensure they have a better review of any country hosting another to ensure everything is in order to avoid such incidents from happening again.
Also Nigeria should know that if they in any way fall victim of such act especially now that other countries will be envious of them and the Libyan will also look out for any given opportunity to point out any mistakes the Nigeria team will make. It’s going to be Nigeria vs the most of the African countries. So therefore Nigeria should be carful and avoid any kind of violence when hosting another country

[Charles-Tim]

I wonder why no one is talking about the recently delivered CAF's verdict on the Nigeria/Libya episode despite having a good argument shortly after Libya's ignoble act against the Nigerian team.

I was happy yesterday when I read from various news outlets that Libya was heavily sanctioned by the CAF. The football body automatically awarded 3 goals and 3 points to the Nigerian team for the match they did not play (Libya 0 - Nigeria 3). Not only that, Libya was also fined $50,000 for this ugly act. This is what I call justice!

https://x.com/NigeriaStories/status/1850161919262437582

I know about this not quite long ago when I saw it on Punch about how Libya has started arresting Nigerians in their country. I think Libya is taken this far and too serious. If Confederation of African Football did not declare Nigeria as the winner, Libya does not have any chance to get qualified. They have just 1 point and they are the worst on the group D.

At least they came to Nigeria, although they were disappointed but they played, unlike how they waste our player's time in their country without playing. What I have thought about it before was that Libya is not serious because they know they are losers. If they are the first or the second on the table, they will not joke with the remaining qualification matches at all but play the match.

Libya think that the decision was greatly influenced by Nigeria Football Federation, but they do not look at their own mistakes. They have now started to arrest Nigerians in their country. Indicating that Nigerians will be the ones that will pay the fine.

Campaign against Nigerians in Libya

Following the CAF ruling, a popular Libyan news blog, Libya News Today 1, posted on Sunday, stating, “All Libyan TV channels are urging the government to arrest the Nigerian workers who are working here in Libya without legal papers. They have to pay $500 plus taxes.

“The fine that Libya is accused of will be paid by Nigerian citizens who live in Libya. We have been subjected to injustice. We have no borders with Nigeria. What benefit are they to us? They’re a burden on the Libyan people. They have to go back home.”

The blog has more than 188,000 followers on Facebook and 57,000 likes.

The post was accompanied by a video of a Libyan TV presenter, who said, “Anyone who is living in Libya and working without paying tax is eating haram, which means sinful money. The government should make every effort to arrest all Nigerians who are working in Libya so that they can pay a tax of $500 and regulate their stay in the country by obtaining residence permits.”

Another Libyan site, Libya INF.TV, reported that Libyan stations wanted the government to start arresting Nigerian workers.

“Those who don’t have Libyan papers will have to pay a fine of $500 for taxes. If you refuse deportation, no mercy. The Libyan government will pay the Nigerian government from their citizens’ money,” the post said.

Mass arrests of Nigerians in Libya

Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, a Nigerian living in Tripoli, the Libyan capital, Adenaike Emmanuel, said the arrests began on Sunday after the CAF statement was released in the country.

“They have already started. The news came out on Saturday, and they were saying they can’t accept it and that they are not the ones who will pay the money. They have started proving this.

“Someone called me and said they had already begun arresting people in his area. The same thing is happening here in Tripoli. In some places, people were arrested on Sunday morning and afternoon. As I mentioned before, Libyans don’t hide their feelings. They believe that by doing this, they are getting their revenge,” Adenaike stated.

I do not think it should get to this point. Libya took this too personal, and which is not called for or good.

[Odusko]

I wonder why no one is talking about the recently delivered CAF's verdict on the Nigeria/Libya episode despite having a good argument shortly after Libya's ignoble act against the Nigerian team.

I was happy yesterday when I read from various news outlets that Libya was heavily sanctioned by the CAF. The football body automatically awarded 3 goals and 3 points to the Nigerian team for the match they did not play (Libya 0 - Nigeria 3). Not only that, Libya was also fined $50,000 for this ugly act. This is what I call justice!

https://x.com/NigeriaStories/status/1850161919262437582

I know about this not quite long ago when I saw it on Punch about how Libya has started arresting Nigerians in their country. I think Libya is taken this far and too serious. If Confederation of African Football did not declare Nigeria as the winner, Libya does not have any chance to get qualified. They have just 1 point and they are the worst on the group D.

At least they came to Nigeria, although they were disappointed but they played, unlike how they waste our player's time in their country without playing. What I have thought about it before was that Libya is not serious because they know they are losers. If they are the first or the second on the table, they will not joke with the remaining qualification matches at all but play the match.

Libya think that the decision was greatly influenced by Nigeria Football Federation, but they do not look at their own mistakes. They have now started to arrest Nigerians in their country. Indicating that Nigerians will be the ones that will pay the fine.

Campaign against Nigerians in Libya

Following the CAF ruling, a popular Libyan news blog, Libya News Today 1, posted on Sunday, stating, “All Libyan TV channels are urging the government to arrest the Nigerian workers who are working here in Libya without legal papers. They have to pay $500 plus taxes.

“The fine that Libya is accused of will be paid by Nigerian citizens who live in Libya. We have been subjected to injustice. We have no borders with Nigeria. What benefit are they to us? They’re a burden on the Libyan people. They have to go back home.”

The blog has more than 188,000 followers on Facebook and 57,000 likes.

The post was accompanied by a video of a Libyan TV presenter, who said, “Anyone who is living in Libya and working without paying tax is eating haram, which means sinful money. The government should make every effort to arrest all Nigerians who are working in Libya so that they can pay a tax of $500 and regulate their stay in the country by obtaining residence permits.”

Another Libyan site, Libya INF.TV, reported that Libyan stations wanted the government to start arresting Nigerian workers.

“Those who don’t have Libyan papers will have to pay a fine of $500 for taxes. If you refuse deportation, no mercy. The Libyan government will pay the Nigerian government from their citizens’ money,” the post said.

Mass arrests of Nigerians in Libya

Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, a Nigerian living in Tripoli, the Libyan capital, Adenaike Emmanuel, said the arrests began on Sunday after the CAF statement was released in the country.

“They have already started. The news came out on Saturday, and they were saying they can’t accept it and that they are not the ones who will pay the money. They have started proving this.

“Someone called me and said they had already begun arresting people in his area. The same thing is happening here in Tripoli. In some places, people were arrested on Sunday morning and afternoon. As I mentioned before, Libyans don’t hide their feelings. They believe that by doing this, they are getting their revenge,” Adenaike stated.

I do not think it should get to this point. Libya took this too personal, and which is not called for or good.

What do you expect from a war zone, a country that was practically brought down by same Libyans against themselves, so for them to treat Nigerians in an inhuman manners is not a big deal for them, the CAF judgement that awards a 3:0 winning to Nigeria team and also asked them to pay such an amount in fine were linean on the Libyan government, but no, they choose to arrest Nigerian extort them and get the money from them indirectly to pay the fine, I know their will play politics with this whole issue, but at the end we are going to see a more possible sanction if they failed to pay the fine within the stipulated amount of time.


We are hopefully going to the qualifying stage and possibly represent Africa, and hopefully countries like Libyan are made to face the right judgment and suspension, since they have practically violated the rules of the games, and possibly also won't be ready to comply with the CAF decision.

[Charles-Tim]

We are hopefully going to the qualifying stage

Not hopefully but definitely. Even with one match not played, we are 1 point ahead of Benin Republic and 2 points ahead of Rwanda. I just think that we are the best in group D. I do not think Benin Republic will be able to win us in their country and also Rwanda will not likely win us in our country. With 3 points added, it is definitely and not hopefully.