Sports

AFCON: Libya Appeals Verdict As CAF Awards Nigeria Match

Published

1 year 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

JUST IN: Full Draw For 2026 World Cup Group Stages Confirmed

Published

7 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Editor

The draw for the group stage of the 2026 World Cup has been conducted.

It took place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., with US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino in charge.

There will be 48 teams at next year’s tournament, to be played across the United States, Mexico and Canada.

All the participating countries were grouped into 12 groups of four.

Here is the full draw:

Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Winner Play-off D
Group B: Canada, Winner Play-off A, Qatar, Switzerland
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Winner Play-off C
Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Winner Play-off B, Tunisia
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Group I: France, Senegal, Winner Play-off 2, Norway
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
Group K: Portugal, Winner Play-off 1, Colombia, Uzbekistan
Group L: England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana

Sports

EPL: Mikel Obi Reveals Why Chelsea Failed To Beat Arsenal in 1-1 Draw

Published

3 days ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Former Super Eagles midfielder, John Mikel Obi, has claimed Chelsea failed to defeat Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, because of an early red card to Moises Caicedo.

The two London rivals played out a pulsating 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Caicedo was sent off in the 38th minute following a VAR check.

But it was Chelsea who took the lead after the break, thanks to Trevor Chalobah’s header.

But the Gunners equalized through Mikel Merino.

So far this season, Chelsea have received seven red cards in 20 games across all competitions this season.

“That’s four red cards this season; it’s not good enough. I’ve spoken about it; the manager needs to talk with the players, because it’s costing us games as well,” Mikel Obi said on his podcast.

“If you look at that game, if we finished with eleven men, I think we could’ve won. Maybe not easily, but comfortably, we could’ve secured a win.”

Sports

EPL: Slot Reveals When Salah Will Leave For AFCON

Published

3 days ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Liverpool manager, Arne Slot, has revealed that Mohamed Salah was “not happy” to be dropped for their 2-0 win at West Ham on Sunday.

Salah was named on the bench at the London Stadium for the Premier League fixture.

Slot took the bold decision, as he looked to arrest a poor run of form, that saw the Reds lose nine of 12 matches.

Salah was not summoned from the bench for the entire 90 minutes, as goals from Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo sealed victory.

“It was a normal reaction for a player who is good enough to play for us,” Slot said.

“I say that mildly as he’s been so outstanding for this club and will be in the future. He wasn’t happy he wasn’t starting but he wasn’t the only one.”

Salah could yet return to the starting line-up as Liverpool host Sunderland in the Premier League on Wednesday night.

The 33-year-old will remain available for the next four matches, before he leaves to join Egypt’s squad for the African Cup of Nations.

“It’s 15 December,” Slot confirmed.

“But always in these situations there is the player and the national team involved and there are always talks about what is best for all three of us.”