Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has welcomed the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to award Nigeria three points and three goals following the abandoned 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya.
CAF’s Disciplinary Board ruled in Nigeria’s favour after finding Libya guilty of the unacceptable treatment meted out to the Super Eagles delegation ahead of the scheduled qualifier. Softfootball understands that Libya was also fined $50,000 for breaching CAF regulations.
The Nigerian team was left stranded for several hours at Al Abraq Airport after their flight was diverted hundreds of kilometres away from the approved destination. Players and officials were reportedly denied access to food, internet services and adequate transportation, prompting the Super Eagles to boycott the fixture.
Reacting to CAF’s verdict, Troost-Ekong expressed satisfaction with the outcome, describing it as justice for the team after the difficult ordeal in Libya.
“JUSTICE: CAF awards three points and three goals to Nigeria. Libya fined $50,000,” the defender wrote on his official X account.
The Al-Kholood centre-back, who is among the nominees for the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award, also shed more light on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“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,” he added.
The CAF ruling significantly boosts Nigeria’s qualification hopes, moving the Super Eagles closer to securing a place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
