CAF Verdict: FG Denies Report Of Harassments, Arrest Of Nigerians In Libya

The federal government has debunked claims that Nigerians are getting subjected to harassment and ill-treatment in Libya as a result of the recent ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which awarded the Super Eagles three points and a fine of $50,000 against Libya following a botched 2025 AFCON qualifier.

There had been reports that following the CAF verdict issued in favour of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, authorities in Libya had begun arresting and ill-treating Nigerians in the North African nation.

The report claimed the Nigerian community in Libya is facing a wave of mass arrests and fines following the recent ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which went against them.

However, a statement issued on Sunday by the Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, said reports available to the government show otherwise.

It stressed that Nigerians in the North African country were going about their normal businesses.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to convey that as of the time of making this statement, Nigerians in Libya are going about their daily activities, devoid of any form of harassment by Libyan authorities.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to reiterate that the wellbeing of Nigerian citizens anywhere in the world is a top priority of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and will continue to strive to safeguard it at all times,” the statement read in part.

CityNews Nigeria recalls the Super Eagles were subjected to a traumatic experience at the Al-Abraq Airport, where they were held for over 20 hours ahead of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya.

The Nigerian team eventually withdrew from the match and returned to the country.

Following an investigation by CAF’s disciplinary committee, the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) was found guilty of breaching several regulations and slammed a fine, including awarding all three points and three goals to Nigeria from the cancelled match.