Libyan Retaliation Sparks Tension as CAF Awards Nigeria Win and Orders Libya to Pay Fine
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has delivered a controversial ruling awarding Nigeria’s Super Eagles a win and penalizing Libya with a $50,000 fine for alleged mistreatment of the team. Following the ruling, reports from Libya indicate a swift backlash against Nigerian workers and residents, with authorities reportedly conducting mass arrests, imposing fines, and detaining individuals regardless of their documentation status. The unprecedented response highlights escalating tensions between the two nations, with prominent Libyan figures and media accusing Nigeria of “exploitation.”
The CAF ruling was prompted by complaints from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) about the Super Eagles’ treatment in Libya during their October trip for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. The Nigerian team was held for 20 hours at the Al-Abraq Airport after their flight was diverted away from the initial destination, Benghazi. This led to an abrupt withdrawal from the qualifying match, with the NFF citing concerns over the team’s safety and treatment. CAF found the Libyan Football Federation in violation of its ethical codes, resulting in the fine and Nigeria’s awarded victory. However, in Libya, this ruling has caused widespread resentment, with the Libyan Football Federation President, Nasser Al-Suwai’I, calling the decision “unjust” and accusing the NFF of manipulating CAF.
Libyan social media and news outlets are urging authorities to impose hefty fines on Nigerian residents and deport those working without legal permits. Libya News Today 1, a local blog with a substantial following, posted statements that accuse Nigerians of “burdening” Libya’s economy and called for the $50,000 fine to be compensated by taxing Nigerian workers in the country. These posts were accompanied by videos of TV presenters arguing that Nigerian workers should face immediate repercussions, including fines and deportation.
For Nigerians living in Libya, the atmosphere has become increasingly hostile. A Nigerian national in Tripoli, Adenaike Emmanuel, shared that arrests started almost immediately following the CAF decision. “People are scared to leave their homes. Even those with permits are worried about being targeted,” Emmanuel stated, highlighting the general fear and tension within the Nigerian community in Libya.
The President of the Nigerian community in Libya, Peter Omoregbie, voiced his concerns in an official statement, noting that Nigerians, irrespective of their legal status, were being detained indiscriminately. “We’re trying to make international bodies aware,” he said, calling for urgent intervention to protect Nigerians in Libya.
Meanwhile, Ahmed Hamza, Chairman of Libya’s National Institution for Human Rights, issued a caution against targeting Nigerians, warning that indiscriminate actions against migrants could lead to international scrutiny. He advised against retaliatory moves, stating that these actions could compromise Libya’s standing with international human rights institutions.
Calls for assistance have grown, with the Nigerian government and organizations like the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) urged to take diplomatic action. Former Nigerian Ambassador Ogbole Amedu-Ode stated that the Nigerian government should formally address the issue, perhaps through the African Union, emphasizing that protection of its citizens abroad is a priority.
With more Nigerians being detained, and no official comment yet from the Nigerian Embassy in Libya, the need for diplomatic intervention becomes more pressing. As the political and social fallout from CAF’s ruling intensifies, the spotlight remains on Libya’s response, with hopes that the rights and safety of Nigerians in Libya can be safeguarded amidst this escalating crisis.
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