The Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently handed down a verdict in response to the Nigeria Football Federation’s complaint regarding the inhumane treatment of the Super Eagles in Libya. Following this ruling, reports have emerged of mass arrests and fines targeted at Nigerian nationals residing in Libya.
During the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, the Nigerian football team faced an unexpected diversion to Al-Abraq Airport, 150 miles from their intended destination of Benghazi. This diversion resulted in the team being held for over 20 hours, sparking widespread outrage.
In response, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) withdrew from the qualifying match and filed an official complaint with CAF. The disciplinary committee, chaired by Ousmane Kane, subsequently awarded Nigeria three points and three goals for the abandoned match, citing Libya’s breach of Article 31 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations.
Additionally, the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) was ordered to pay a $50,000 fine within 60 days. LFF President Nasser Al-Suwai’I expressed dissatisfaction with the verdict, describing it as “unjust and malicious” and attributing the outcome to NFF’s influence within CAF.
In retaliation, Libyan media outlets have begun advocating for the arrest and fining of Nigerian workers in Libya. A popular Libyan news blog posted a statement urging the government to target Nigerian citizens, claiming they should pay $500 plus taxes.
Libyan TV presenters have also joined the chorus, labeling Nigerian workers as a “burden” and calling for their deportation. Videos have surfaced of presenters demanding the arrest of Nigerians, regardless of their residency status.
Reports from Nigerian residents in Libya confirm the commencement of mass arrests. Adenaike Emmanuel, a Nigerian living in Tripoli, described the arrests as a form of revenge, stating, “Libyans don’t hide their feelings… They believe that by doing this, they are getting their revenge.”
Peter Omoregbie, President of the Nigerian community in Libya, corroborated these reports, emphasizing that even those with valid passports and residence permits are being targeted.
The National Institution for Human Rights in Libya has condemned these retaliatory acts, warning against hostility towards foreign workers. Chairman Ahmed Hamza cautioned that such actions could have domestic and international repercussions.
The Nigerian government has been urged to intervene, with former Ambassador Ogbole Amedu-Ode advocating for an investigation and potential reporting of Libya to the African Union.
Efforts to reach the Libyan Embassy in Abuja and the Nigerian Embassy in Tripoli for comments have been unsuccessful. The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has also not responded to requests for information.
The situation remains tense, with Nigerian residents in Libya living in fear of arrest and deportation.
