In the wake of a controversial verdict from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), reports have emerged of widespread arrests targeting n nationals in Libya. This follows a formal complaint lodged by the Nigeria Football Federation regarding the mistreatment of the Super Eagles during their recent visit to the North African nation.
The Nigerian team faced significant delays at Al-Abraq Airport, spending over 20 hours in limbo upon arrival for the second leg of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya. Initially scheduled to land in Benghazi, the flight was unexpectedly diverted, leading to a series of events that left the team frustrated and ultimately resulted in their withdrawal from the match.
In a decisive ruling on Saturday, October 26, the CAF disciplinary committee awarded the Super Eagles three points and three goals due to the Libya Football Federation’s breach of regulations, entailing a fine of $50,000 to be paid within 60 days. The decision has sparked outrage among Libyan officials, with LFF President Nasser Al-Suwai’I labeling it “unjust and malicious,” claiming undue influence from the NFF.
As tension escalated, Libyan media took to the airwaves to call for the arrest of Nigerians residing in the country without proper documentation, suggesting that fines imposed on the LFF would now be shifted onto the Nigerian populace. Social media outlets have echoed this sentiment, with posts alleging that Nigerian workers are a drain on Libyan resources.
A local blog, Libya News Today 1, issued a statement urging the government to apprehend undocumented Nigerian workers, asserting that they should be fined $500 and taxed appropriately. The blog’s reach exceeds 188,000 followers on Facebook, amplifying its call for action.
Nigerians living in Libya have reported mass arrests beginning shortly after the CAF announcement, with Adenaike Emmanuel, a Tripoli resident, informing Sunday PUNCH that individuals were targeted regardless of their immigration status. “They’ve already begun arresting people in my area, and similar incidents are happening across the capital,” he stated.
Peter Omoregbie, leader of the Nigerian community in Libya, confirmed these developments, noting that the authorities appear indifferent to legal documentation during the crackdown. Omoregbie lamented, “They are arresting innocent people… It is a frightening situation, and we are appealing for intervention.” He added that Libyan police have undertaken widespread operations that do not discriminate based on legality.
A separate report from Omo Oba Legba highlighted the pervasive fear within the Nigerian community, describing how a friend in the police force had advised him to stay indoors to avoid detainment. “They have made it clear that Nigerians are their targets, irrespective of documentation,” Legba warned.
In a broader context, Lebanese advocacy groups have condemned what they perceive as retaliatory sanctions against the Nigerian community. Ahmed Hamza, head of the National Institution for Human Rights in Libya, cautioned against potential fallout from such actions, emphasizing the importance of protecting foreign workers and preventing hostile retaliations.
Attempts to gather comments from the Libyan Embassy in Abuja met with silence, while the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged receipt of inquiries but offered no immediate comments.
In light of the escalating situation, former Nigerian ambassador Ogbole Amedu-Ode has called for an official investigation into the arrests and urged the Nigerian government to escalate the issue to the African Union. He advised Nigerians living in Libya to adopt a low profile until the situation stabilizes.
This ongoing saga has placed a spotlight on the complexities of international relations within the realm of sports and the far-reaching implications it can have on communities far removed from the pitch.