The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has assured that Nigerians residing in Libya are leading lives “devoid” of harassment by Libyan authorities in response to recent developments stemming from Confederation of African Football sanctions.
The situation arose from an October incident in which Nigeria’s Super Eagles were initially scheduled to face Libya’s national team at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Benina, Benghazi, for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
However, upon arrival, the Nigerian team’s flight was redirected to Al Abaq Airport, where players and staff were reportedly detained for more than 20 hours without provisions such as food or water.
Due to the severe disruption, the Super Eagles ultimately abandoned the match, returned to Nigeria, and lodged a complaint with CAF, Africa’s football governing body.
In response, CAF sanctioned Libya, forcing them to forfeit the match, awarding three points and three goals to Nigeria, and imposing a $50,000 fine on the Libyan Football Federation.
Recently, rumours began circulating that Libyan authorities had retaliated by unfairly targeting Nigerian residents.
Allegedly, Nigerians were being heavily taxed under the pretense that the funds would offset CAF’s penalty, while other Nigerians faced arbitrary arrests on the streets.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, however, swiftly debunked these claims.
In a public statement issued Sunday, the ministry emphasized that Nigerians in Libya continue “going about their daily activities” without interference.
“Ministry of Foreign Affairs refutes reports claiming that Nigerians in Libya are being arrested and harassed as a result of the decision of the Confederation of African Football, CAF which indicted the Libyan Football Federation for their ill-treatment of the Nigerian team and officials while in Libya for a Nations Cup Qualifying Match,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the Libyan Football Federation is pushing back against CAF’s verdict, filing an appeal and committing to “all necessary legal measures” to defend its national team’s interests, signaling the dispute may continue in both legal and football forums.
