2025 AFCON Q: Libya Begins Mass Arrest of Nigerians After CAF Verdict
Tensions Rise as Libyan Authorities Target Nigerian Workers Following Controversial Football Verdict
- Libyan authorities have begun mass arrests of Nigerians
- Nigeria was awarded three points and three goals
- Calls for deportation and fines for undocumented Nigerians have intensified
In the wake of the Confederation of African Football’s decision regarding the Nigeria Football Federation’s complaint about the mistreatment of the Super Eagles in Libya, reports have surfaced of widespread arrests and fines targeting the Nigerian community in Libya.
The Nigerian football team faced a distressing ordeal, being detained for over 20 hours at Al-Abraq Airport upon their arrival for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya. Originally scheduled to land in Benghazi, the flight was diverted by Libyan authorities just before arrival.
Outrage over this incident led the NFF to withdraw the Super Eagles from the match and submit an official complaint to CAF.
On October 26, CAF’s disciplinary committee ruled in favor of Nigeria, awarding them three points and three goals for the abandoned match. They found that the Libyan Football Federation had violated several regulations and imposed a fine of $50,000.
In response, the LFF President, Nasser Al-Suwai’i, condemned the ruling as “unjust and malicious,” claiming that the NFF’s influence played a key role in the outcome. He announced intentions to appeal the decision, potentially taking the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Following the CAF ruling, Libyan media outlets called for the arrest of undocumented Nigerian workers in Libya, suggesting they should be fined $500 and face deportation. This prompted immediate action, with Nigerians in Libya reporting that arrests began on Sunday after the ruling was made public.
A Nigerian resident, Adenaike Emmanuel, shared that the arrests were already occurring in Tripoli, indicating a wave of hostility and retribution in response to the CAF decision.
Peter Omoregbie, President of the Nigerian community in Libya, also confirmed the troubling reports of arrests.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the National Institution for Human Rights in Libya, Ahmed Hamza, has warned against retaliatory acts targeting Nigerian workers in the country in the aftermath of the CAF ruling.
According to Libya Review, Hamza noted that some media platforms were inciting hostility towards foreigners by portraying them as illegal or irregular residents.
“We warn against any form of retaliation against foreign and migrant workers in Libya, especially Nigerian workers, by security forces, armed groups, or citizens,” Hamza stated.
