Emmanuel Ochayi
CAF Verdict Ignites Retaliatory Actions Against Nigerians in Libya
Following the recent Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) verdict granting Nigeria a default win against Libya, tensions have escalated in Libya, with Nigerian nationals reporting widespread arrests and fines.
The CAF decision followed a complaint from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) regarding alleged mistreatment of the Super Eagles football team by Libyan authorities. Now, many Nigerians in Libya feel they are being unjustly targeted in response to the ruling.
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The CAF verdict, released on October 26, awarded Nigeria three points after the Super Eagles were detained for over 20 hours at Al-Abraq Airport. The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) was also fined $50,000 for the disruption. However, Libyan media and public figures have reacted strongly, with some calling for action against Nigerians living and working in Libya, alleging that they contribute to social burdens.
One popular Libyan news site, Libya News Today 1, posted, “All Nigerian workers here illegally should face immediate arrest and fines. Our people should not have to bear this burden.” The post has since gone viral, stirring anger among locals who support retaliatory measures against Nigerian residents.
Rights Group Warns Against Retaliation
Libyan human rights institutions, however, have condemned the targeted campaign. Ahmed Hamza, Chairman of the National Institution for Human Rights in Libya, urged authorities to avoid retaliation against Nigerian workers, cautioning that “Unlawful actions against foreigners will have repercussions both domestically and internationally.”
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Despite these warnings, Nigerians in various Libyan cities are already experiencing a crackdown. Adenaike Emmanuel, a Nigerian living in Tripoli, shared his account: “It’s getting worse. People in my area were arrested as early as Sunday morning. They’re not asking for papers, they’re just arresting anyone who looks Nigerian. This is not normal.”
Community Leaders in Libya Speak Out
Peter Omoregbie, President of the Nigerian community in Libya, confirmed the arrests in an official report to the Libyan immigration office, saying, “We are seeing the effects of the CAF verdict in real-time. Innocent Nigerians are being detained indiscriminately, regardless of whether they have valid documentation.”
When asked for additional context, Omoregbie said, “CAF is an independent association. The government’s interference in these arrests is beyond reason. It’s like a scapegoat strategy.” His report has prompted responses from both local Libyan NGOs and international organisations.
Nigerians Urged to Remain Cautious
As the arrests continue, Nigerian nationals in Libya are increasingly concerned. Omo Oba Legba, a Nigerian worker, shared his experience in a Facebook video, explaining how even those with documentation are at risk. “My Libyan boss told me to stay home. He said anyone Nigerian would be taken. The CAF fine is fuelling this anger, and we’re the ones paying the price.”
Other community members echoed this concern, emphasising the need for Nigerians to maintain a low profile and exercise caution in public spaces. A former Nigerian ambassador to Mexico, Ogbole Amedu-Ode, has also advised Nigerian residents in Libya to “lay low” and seek safety if the situation escalates.
Nigerian Government Urged to Act
In response to the crisis, Nigerian leaders and international rights groups are pressing the Nigerian government to take action. Amedu-Ode recommended gathering evidence and reporting Libya to the African Union (AU). “This is more than just a CAF verdict; it’s a violation of rights. Nigeria must respond diplomatically,” he said.
Despite these calls for intervention, officials at both the Nigerian Embassy in Tripoli and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have yet to issue a formal statement. When reached, the spokesperson for the Ministry, Eche Abu-Obe, mentioned that inquiries had been made but offered no further comment.
Calls for International Mediation
Rights advocates are now calling on international bodies to mediate in the escalating tensions between Libyan authorities and the Nigerian community. Many Nigerians in Libya feel the arrests will only intensify unless external pressure is applied.
“We’re facing threats daily because of a football match. Nigeria needs international support,” said Omoregbie. “This isn’t just about soccer anymore—it’s about human rights.”
