The Confederation of African Football, CAF, has explained why the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, qualifying match between Nigeria and Libya won’t hold.

Recall that the match was originally scheduled for 8 p.m., today, Tuesday, October 15.

However, in a statement released on Tuesday afternoon, CAF said the case between the two nations “will be referred to the competent CAF bodies”.

According to the brief statement, “The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Qualifier fixture between Libya and Nigeria will not take place as scheduled tonight.

“The matter will be referred to the competent CAF bodies.”

The African football governing body’s decision is a fallout of Super Eagles return to Nigeria yesterday, after a 14-hour ordeal in the hands of Libyan authorities.

Dangerous flight

Originally scheduled to land in Benghazi, the Super Eagles’ flight was rerouted to Al Abaq, located two hours away from their intended destination.

The pilot said: “The flight plan was to land at Benghazi, Benina, and we had approval from the Libyan Civil Aviation Authority.

“However, as we began our descent, we were instructed to divert to Al-Abraq, which wasn’t even listed as our alternate airport. This decision came from the highest Libyan authorities, not me.

“In aviation, we calculate fuel based on our destination. Diverting unexpectedly can compromise safety.

“I repeatedly questioned the directive and warned them about fuel limitations, but they insisted that we land at Al-Abraq, citing orders from the highest authority.”

The pilot refuted media claims that the diversion was his choice, stressing that all aviation communications are recorded and could be provided as evidence.

Afterwards, for over 14 hours, the Super Eagles squad, along with NFF officials, were stranded without any arrangements for transportation, feeding or lodgings.

Eventually, they returned to Nigeria. (Vanguard)