Sports

AFCON: Libya Appeals Verdict As CAF Awards Nigeria Match

Published

12 months ago

October 27, 2024

The Libyan Football Federation has filed an appeal against the recent decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to award Nigeria three points and three goals following a disrupted Africa Cup of Nations qualifier initially scheduled for October 15 in Benina, Libya.

The verdict also imposed a $50,000 fine on Libya, citing breaches of CAF regulations in handling the Nigerian team’s arrival and conditions.

The verdict leaves Nigeria on the brink of qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, with two matches to spare. The Super Eagles now have 10 points from four matches, four points adrift of second-placed Benin Republic, while Rwanda have five points. Libya remains rock bottom with one point and out of contention for the group’s two tickets to the finals.

According to reports from Libyan outlet alwasat.ly, Libya has enlisted Tunisian lawyer Ali Abbas to defend its appeal, which challenges the CAF decision as “unfair,”

The Nigerian Football Federation’s complaint led to an investigation by CAF’s disciplinary committee after the Super Eagles endured a reported 20-hour ordeal involving a diverted flight, a lengthy wait at Labraq Airport—300 kilometres from the intended destination in Benghazi—and inadequate facilities, including a lack of food and water. Nigeria’s contingent was eventually forced to abandon the match and return home.

CAF’s disciplinary committee, chaired by Ousmane Kane, ruled in favour of Nigeria, citing violations of Article 31 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations and Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code. Libya was deemed to have lost the match by forfeit with a 3-0 score awarded to Nigeria.

The ruling, if upheld, places Nigeria within reach of qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, while leaving Libya out of contention with only one point in Group D.

Sports

SWAN Kicks Off 60th Anniversary/Awards With Religious Services

Published

2 days ago

October 23, 2025

Editor

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) is set to hold its 60th anniversary with Jumat Prayer and Thanksgiving on Friday October 24, 2025.

A statement by the Media and Publicity Committee of the anniversary said the special prayer and thanksgiving will be held in all the state chapters and FCT at the venues which would be determined by the leadership of the various chapters.

According to the statement, the SWAN Diamond Jubilee and Award Ceremony will also feature the full council which is a meeting of the National Executive Council, zonal vice presidents and secretaries and state chairmen and secretaries.

The committee, while inviting “government functionaries, lovers of sports, members of the association and the general public to join SWAN members at the services to thank God for a successful 60-year journey,” added: “All activities at the event will hold at the National Stadium, Abuja between Oct. 29 and Oct. 31.”

“It will also be an opportunity for us to collectively pray for protection of members, better sports fortuneNigeria’s sports men and women and a more prosperous sports sector,” it said.

Sports

EPL: Trossard Strike As Arsenal Beat Fulham 1-0

Published

1 week ago

October 18, 2025

Editor

Arsenal edged past Fulham with a narrow 1-0 victory at Craven Cottage, climbing three points clear at the top of the Premier League table. The result marked another composed and professional display from Mikel Arteta’s side, who continue to show their title credentials.

The decisive moment came in the second half when Leandro Trossard calmly finished after a clever set-piece routine.

Bukayo Saka delivered a dangerous corner that was flicked on by Gabriel, setting up Trossard to slot home the winner.

Arteta’s side dominated possession throughout, limiting Fulham to very few chances in front of goal.

The hosts struggled to create any real threat, with Arsenal’s defence staying compact and composed.

With the victory, Arsenal overtake Manchester City to sit three points clear at the summit after another disciplined away performance.

More to follow…

Sports

EPL: Nottingham Forest Sacks Postecoglou After 3-0 Defeat To Chelsea

Published

1 week ago

October 18, 2025

Editor

Nottingham Forest have sacked Ange Postecoglou barely minutes after their 3-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday.

A statement from the Premier league club, released 20 minutes after full-time at the City Ground, reads: “Nottingham Forest Football Club can confirm that after a series of disappointing results and performances, Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties as head coach with immediate effect.

“The club will make no further comment at this time.”

Postecoglou was in charge for eight games and six of those ended in defeat.

It included an early Carabao Cup exit at Championship club Swansea City, when Forest led 2-1 in the 92nd minute before conceding two in four minutes to lose 3-2.

The other two games – away at Burnley (Premier League) and Real Betis (Europa League) ended in draws.