The Nigerian community in Libya is reportedly facing widespread arrests and fines following the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) ruling in favor of Nigeria over the alleged mistreatment of the Super Eagles during a recent visit to Libya.
The Super Eagles were detained for over 20 hours upon arrival at Al-Abraq Airport, instead of their scheduled landing at Benghazi Airport, ahead of the second leg of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya. This diversion reportedly forced the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to withdraw the team from the match and lodge a formal complaint with CAF.
CAF’s disciplinary committee ruled that the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) violated several articles within the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations and the CAF Disciplinary Code. As a result, the Super Eagles were awarded a default victory, with Libya fined $50,000 for obstructing the match.
The ruling sparked backlash within Libya, with the LFF president condemning the decision and alleging Nigerian influence within CAF. Libyan media outlets and social platforms subsequently urged the government to impose fines on Nigerian workers and arrest those without valid papers, calling for a $500 fee to be paid by undocumented Nigerians.
Wave of Arrests in Libyan Cities
According to Adenaike Emmanuel, a Nigerian residing in Tripoli, authorities began arresting Nigerians on Sunday following CAF’s verdict, with reports of Nigerians being detained indiscriminately. Videos shared online confirm that Nigerian community leaders in Libya, including President Peter Omoregbie, are calling on international bodies to intervene, citing violations against Nigerians who hold valid passports and residence permits.
Omoregbie explained that social media commentary in Libya has tied the $50,000 CAF fine to ordinary Nigerian residents, fueling a campaign of hostility. “Libyan authorities have begun arresting Nigerians, and they seem determined to hold us responsible for the CAF decision, regardless of our status here,” Omoregbie said.
Escalation and Community Reactions
On Wednesday, another Nigerian in Libya, Omo Oba Legba, issued a warning video advising fellow Nigerians to remain indoors to avoid arrest. He lamented the situation, saying, “This hardship should not fall on Nigerians here who have no connection to the Super Eagles.”
Additionally, a Nigerian man was seen pleading in a video posted on Libyan news sites, urging Libyan authorities to avoid punishing civilians for a football-related matter.
Libyan Rights Institution Issues Warning
In response to the increasing tension, Ahmed Hamza, Chairman of Libya’s National Institution for Human Rights, warned against retaliatory actions targeting foreign workers, including Nigerians. He called on media and officials to avoid inciting hostility and emphasized that any violations against foreigners could have legal repercussions domestically and internationally.
Calls for Intervention by Nigerian Authorities
Meanwhile, former Nigerian Ambassador to Mexico, Ogbole Amedu-Ode, urged the Nigerian government to gather evidence of the retaliatory arrests and to lodge a formal complaint with the African Union if necessary. He advised Nigerians in Libya to maintain a low profile until tensions ease.
When contacted for comment, the Libyan Embassy in Abuja deferred inquiries to written correspondence, while Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigerians in Diaspora Commission had not yet responded at the time of this report.
As the situation intensifies, Nigerian community leaders in Libya are calling on the Nigerian government and international bodies to address the crisis, expressing concerns over escalating hostilities and the safety of Nigerian nationals in Libya.
