Tensions Rise in Libya as Nigerians Face Mass Arrests Following CAF’s Ruling

Following the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) recent ruling awarding Nigeria’s Super Eagles three points and three goals due to alleged mistreatment by Libyan authorities, reports have surfaced of mass arrests of Nigerians in Libya.

Nigerians residing in Libya claim they are now being targeted by authorities, a move many suspect is retaliation for the CAF decision. Adenaike Emmanuel, a Nigerian based in Tripoli, told Sunday Punch that the arrests began almost immediately after the CAF ruling was publicized in Libya. He described an escalating climate of fear, with authorities indiscriminately detaining Nigerians, allegedly in response to the Super Eagles’ favorable ruling.

The CAF Disciplinary Committee handed down its decision on October 26, in response to Nigeria’s complaint that their team had been held for over 20 hours at Al-Abraq Airport, which resulted in missed preparations for an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya. Nigeria was awarded three points and three goals, and the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) was fined $50,000 for violations, to be paid within 60 days. The ruling sparked outrage from the Libyan side, with LFF President Nasser Al-Suwai’I condemning the decision as “unjust” and threatening to appeal.

Since the ruling, members of Libya’s Nigerian community report increased detentions. Peter Omoregbie, President of the Nigerian community in Libya, confirmed in a video statement that Nigerians have been arrested, many without regard for their legal status. “They don’t even care whether you have passports or residence permits. They just don’t care, which doesn’t happen in other countries,” Omoregbie said. He further clarified that CAF’s regulations prohibit government interference in such disciplinary matters, expressing frustration that innocent Nigerians are caught in the crossfire.

Omoregbie continued, “Libyan journalists and bloggers are saying Nigeria will be made to pay the $50,000 fine by arresting all Nigerians here. I have received videos showing that arrests began in the Tedora area. Libyan police are arresting Nigerians indiscriminately.”

Another Nigerian resident in Libya, Omo Oba Legba, posted a Facebook video on Wednesday, urging Nigerians to stay indoors as authorities intensified arrests. “A policeman warned me not to go out and said they are arresting Nigerians, even those with Libyan passports. He said they’ll keep doing this until the CAF fine is overturned,” he said.

In another video, a Nigerian pleaded with Libyan police, saying, “Football has nothing to do with us. If you want to catch the team, catch them when they come here. Leave us out of this. And to the Nigerian team, I don’t know what you’re thinking, coming here to play football with the Libyan people. Please, Libyan police, please.”

With fears growing among Nigerians in Libya, community leaders have called on the Nigerian government and international organizations to intervene to prevent further harassment and ensure their safety.
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