Nigerians in Libya are facing no retaliation over CAF’s punishment, says FG

The ministry of foreign affairs says Nigerians in Libya have their lives “devoid” of harassment from the government of their host country in retaliation for CAF’s sanction. 

In October, the Super Eagles and Libya were initially scheduled to play at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Benina, Benghazi, on matchday four of the AFCON qualification series.

However, the Nigerian national team’s flight was diverted to Al Abaq airport, and the players and coaches were held for over 20 hours without food and drinks.

The Eagles later withdrew from the qualifying match and returned home. Libya’s action attracted the wrath of CAF, and the country forfeited the game and was fined $50 thousand. Nigeria was also awarded three points and three goals.

Recently, there were reports that authorities in the country are targeting Nigerians in Libya in retaliation for the CAF verdict.

The rumours claim that Nigerians in Libya were being heavily levied, and the proceedings would pay CAF’s fine while others were being rounded up on the street.

Reacting to the reports, the foreign affairs ministry said in a statement on Sunday that Nigerians in the country are “going about their daily activities” and that nothing of the sort happened in Libya.

“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 reads.

The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has appealed the CAF decision, vowing to take “all necessary legal measures” to protect their national team’s interests.