Mass arrests of Nigerians in Libya follow CAF ruling in AFCON dispute
Following a controversial Confederation of African Football (CAF) decision that awarded Nigeria’s Super Eagles a 3-0 victory over Libya in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier, reports indicate an increase in arrests and fines targeting Nigerians living in Libya.
The Nigerian community has reported intensified crackdowns by local authorities, which have fueled concerns about the safety of Nigerian nationals in the country.
According to Nigeria’s Punch newspaper, some Libyan public figures have openly called for the arrest of Nigerian workers who lack legal documents. In one instance, a Libyan media broadcast reported that Nigerians working without proper documentation are expected to pay fines of $500, along with additional taxes. “We have no borders with Nigeria. What benefit are they to us? They’re a burden on the Libyan people. They have to go back home,” stated a Libyan media source, as reported by Punch.
The CAF ruling, which came in late October, followed a heated dispute between the Nigerian and Libyan football teams. The Super Eagles, who had travelled to Libya for the crucial AFCON qualifier, faced an unexpected diversion from Benghazi to Al Abraq, a small airport nearly 250 kilometres away. Left stranded without food, water, or contact with local officials for over 16 hours, the Nigerian team ultimately boycotted the match, bringing the fixture to a halt.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) lodged a complaint with CAF, detailing the team's challenging conditions and lack of support. In response, CAF awarded a 3-0 victory to Nigeria.
