Libya Launches Mass Arrests of Nigerians Following Super Eagles Feud and CAF Verdict

Reports indicate that mass arrests and fines have been imposed on Nigerian nationals in Libya following a controversial decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

This situation arose from a complaint by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) regarding the detention of the Super Eagles at Al-Abraq Airport in Libya.

The Nigerian team was held for over 20 hours prior to their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Mediterranean Knights.

In response, CAF’s disciplinary committee ruled on October 26, awarding the Super Eagles three points and three goals for the abandoned match. The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) was also ordered to pay a $50,000 fine within 60 days.

LFF President Nasser Al-Suwai’i expressed his discontent with the ruling, calling it “unjust and malicious” and suggesting that the NFF’s influence within CAF swayed the decision.

The President of the Nigerian community in Libya, Peter Omoregbie, spoke out on the mass arrests, stating, “The arrests started on Sunday night in some areas in Tedora. They are arresting innocent people. They don’t even care whether you have passports or residence permits. They just don’t care, which doesn’t happen in other countries.”

Omoregbie highlighted the widespread concern among Nigerians living in Libya, as social media discussions among Libyan journalists and bloggers indicated that Nigeria might be compelled to pay the fine through these arrests.

“On social media, Libyan journalists and numerous bloggers are saying that Nigeria will be made to pay the $50,000 fine by arresting all Nigerians in Libya. But in other countries, nothing like that happens,” he said.

With videos circulating that allegedly show Nigerian nationals being detained in Tedora regardless of their legal status, Omoregbie further stated, “Some of us are already afraid, calling everywhere to ask what to do. Sometimes, as community leaders, we are helpless. Even the Nigerian Embassy’s hands are sometimes tied. But international bodies need to intervene in this situation.”

The Nigerian community in Libya is now urging international organizations to intervene in the worsening situation, as fear and uncertainty grow among Nigerians in the region.