Oparaku confirms that CAF will not impose sanctions on Nigeria for declining to face Libya in a recent football engagement, clearing concerns about Nigeria’s participation in AFCON 2025.
Mobi Oparaku, a former defender for the Super Eagles, is confident that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) will refrain from sanctioning Nigeria regarding the canceled 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya.
The Group D second leg match was canceled by CAF after the Eagles’ ordeal.
Libyan authorities redirected Nigeria’s flight to a remote airport, where passengers were deprived of food, water, and internet access for more than 18 hours.
After the incident, the Super Eagles players chose not to proceed with the game.
The CAF ultimately removed the fixture from their schedule and referred the issue to their disciplinary committee.
Although the decision from the disciplinary body is still pending, Oparaku remains confident that Nigeria will not face sanctions due to its consistent reputation as a hospitable host for visiting teams.
He told Brila FM, “CAF is aware that the reports from the Libyans misrepresent us. We are not biased and we never mistreat our visitors; CAF knows we’re incapable of such behavior.”
“I am confident that no sanctions will be imposed on Nigeria, and I trust we will achieve a fair outcome.”
Even though Nigeria didn’t play their matchday 4 fixture, they lead the group with seven points. Meanwhile, Libya sits at the bottom with only one point.
