Libya’s recent mass arrests of Nigerian nationals have emerged amid tensions following a ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that awarded Nigeria a 3-0 win and three points in an African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match.
The CAF Disciplinary Board’s decision, issued on October 26, came after the Nigerian Super Eagles encountered serious travel disruptions on their way to play Libya on October 15, with their flight diverted without notice from Benghazi’s Martyrs of February Stadium to Al Abraq International Airport. This diversion led to Nigerian players and staff being detained in the airport for over 12 hours with limited access to basic necessities, ultimately forcing the team to withdraw from the game.
CAF’s verdict cited Libya’s violation of Articles 31, 82, and 151 of the AFCON regulations, imposing a $50,000 fine on the Libyan Football Federation and awarding the match to Nigeria by default. The ruling also places Nigeria in a favorable position as the leader of Group D with ten points, effectively advancing their qualification prospects for AFCON 2025, set to be held in Morocco. Meanwhile, Libya’s hopes for qualification have dimmed as they remain near the bottom of the group, inciting outrage among Libyan fans and officials.
In Libya, the ruling has sparked widespread protests, with fans rallying for a fair appeal and demanding the match be replayed at a neutral venue. Led by prominent Libyan sports figures, these protests reflect the sentiment that the CAF ruling unjustly penalized the nation’s football team and tarnished Libya’s sporting reputation. Libyan authorities have reportedly responded to the unrest by targeting Nigerian nationals in mass arrests, an action that has drawn international scrutiny and raised alarms over the treatment of foreign nationals residing in Libya.
Rights organizations are closely monitoring the situation, urging Libyan authorities to ensure the safety and legal rights of Nigerian residents and travelers. The Nigerian government has expressed concern for its citizens’ welfare, calling for diplomatic intervention to ensure their safe treatment amid the escalating political tension. Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working with the Libyan government to clarify the situation and secure the release of detained Nigerians, who are now caught in the crossfire of a politically charged issue that began with a sports ruling.
As the situation unfolds, the broader implications of the CAF ruling have cast a spotlight on the intersection of sports, politics, and international relations in North Africa. This incident also highlights the challenges African nations face in ensuring fair competition and safeguarding the rights of foreign nationals within their borders. While CAF’s verdict was intended to reinforce regulations, the backlash underscores the complex dynamics of enforcing sporting discipline across diverse political landscapes. Both the Nigerian and Libyan governments, alongside CAF, face mounting pressure to navigate these tensions carefully, balancing enforcement of sports regulations with the humane treatment of all individuals involved.
