“CAF Ruling Sparks Retaliatory Arrests and Mounting Tensions for Nigerians in Libya”

In the wake of a ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) favoring Nigeria’s Super Eagles, tensions have soared in Libya, with reports of mass arrests targeting Nigerians in the country.

The controversy began when the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) lodged a complaint against Libya following the Super Eagles’ 20-hour detainment at Al-Abraq Airport before their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. Originally scheduled to land in Benghazi, their flight was rerouted by Libyan authorities, leading to a match withdrawal by the NFF and a subsequent investigation by CAF.

On October 26, CAF’s disciplinary committee awarded the Super Eagles three points and imposed a $50,000 fine on the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) for violating match regulations. The ruling was met with sharp criticism from LFF President Nasser Al-Suwai’I, who vowed to challenge the decision, alleging favoritism towards Nigeria within CAF.

Following the verdict, social media in Libya saw a surge in anti-Nigerian sentiment, with popular channels calling for the arrest of Nigerian workers without proper documentation, demanding they pay a hefty tax. Reports indicate that arrests began almost immediately, particularly in areas like Tripoli and Tedora, with Nigerian community leaders raising alarm over the escalating crackdown. Peter Omoregbie, the President of the Nigerian community in Libya, confirmed that these arrests often disregarded individuals’ legal status, sparking fear and concern among Nigerians living there.

Ahmed Hamza, Chairman of Libya’s National Institution for Human Rights, has since warned against targeting Nigerian workers, cautioning that hostile acts could have legal ramifications both domestically and internationally. Meanwhile, calls for intervention continue from Nigerian officials and advocacy groups, urging the government to prioritize the safety and rights of Nigerians in Libya amid growing unrest.