The Nigerian community in Libya has reported widespread arrests and fines targeting Nigerian citizens in response to a recent Confederation of African Football (CAF) ruling, which imposed a $50,000 fine on the Libyan Football Federation (LFF).
The ruling followed a complaint by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) regarding the mistreatment of Nigeria’s Super Eagles in Libya during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
A viral social media post from a prominent Libyan news blog, Libya News Today 1, reflected the increasing tension, stating that all Nigerian workers without legal documentation would face fines of $500.
“The fine that Libya is accused of will be paid by Nigerian citizens who live in Libya. They have to go back home,” the blog post declared, echoing calls from Libyan TV channels for stricter enforcement against Nigerian workers.
Reports indicate that Nigerian workers began facing arrests on Sunday, just after the CAF’s disciplinary committee announced sanctions on the LFF.
The ruling, delivered on October 26, awarded Nigeria three points and three goals in the abandoned match, ruling that Libya had breached multiple articles of CAF’s disciplinary code.
The LFF President, Nasser Al-Suwai’I, publicly condemned the ruling as “unjust,” vowing to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Peter Omoregbie, the President of the Nigerian community in Libya, confirmed the arrests, noting that authorities showed disregard for residents’ legal statuses.
“They are arresting innocent people. They don’t even care whether you have passports or residence permits,” he said in a video report.
“Now, on social media, Libyan journalists and bloggers are saying that Nigeria will be made to pay the $50,000 fine by arresting all Nigerians in Libya,” Omoregbie added, describing the growing fear among the Nigerian community.
Further concerns were raised by another Nigerian in Tripoli, Omo Oba Legba, who warned community members of the escalated arrests.
In a video posted on Wednesday, he advised Nigerians to avoid public places, explaining that local authorities were indiscriminately targeting Nigerians.
The ongoing tensions have prompted responses from Libyan civil society. Ahmed Hamza, Chairman of Libya’s National Institution for Human Rights, cautioned against retaliatory actions.
“We warn against any form of retaliation against foreign and migrant workers in Libya, especially Nigerian workers,” Hamza said, condemning media incitement against foreigners.
The Nigerian government has yet to issue an official statement, though members of the community have urgently appealed for diplomatic intervention.
“International bodies need to intervene in this situation,” Omoregbie urged, highlighting the urgency for Nigerian authorities to address the plight of its citizens in Libya.
