CAF ruling on Libya triggers anti-Nigerian sentiment, migrant threats

Following a recent ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board penalizing the Libya Football Federation (LFF), a wave of anger has erupted within Libyan media, with several platforms now calling for punitive measures against Nigerian workers in the country.

The CAF Disciplinary Board fined the LFF $50,000 and awarded a 3-0 forfeit victory to Nigeria, citing Libya’s failure to ensure security and logistical requirements after the Nigerian Super Eagles were detained at Al Abraq Airport, delaying their AFCON 2025 qualifying match.

CAF’s ruling has sparked frustration among some Libyan media outlets, which have expressed resentment over the decision and, controversially, have urged government actions against undocumented Nigerian workers.

On Sunday, the popular Libyan blog Libya News Today 1 published a post advocating for the arrest of Nigerian workers without proper documentation, suggesting a $500 fine along with additional taxes for those lacking residence permits.

Another media outlet, Libya INF.TV, echoed these sentiments, proposing similar punitive measures and advocating that fines be deducted directly from undocumented workers’ earnings.

The increased anti-Nigerian rhetoric has raised concerns among the Nigerian migrant community, many of whom are now apprehensive about their safety.

READ ALSO: CAF awards victory to Nigeria, fines Libya $50,000 to be paid in 60 days over maltreatment of Super Eagles

A Nigerian worker, identified as Omo Oba Legba, shared his experience in a Facebook video on Wednesday, warning other Nigerians in Libya to stay vigilant. “My Arab master, who is a policeman, just called me now and told me not to go out to buy anything because they have started arresting Nigerians in Libya,” he said. “

I asked him, ‘What about those with Libyan passports?’ But he said they aren’t considering passports and that anyone who is Nigerian will be arrested. That’s why I decided to alert our people so they know how far this issue has gone.”

The backlash continued on Thursday as Libya INF.TV shared a video showing a Nigerian man pleading with Libyan authorities to separate the football incident from the broader Nigerian community. “Football has nothing to do with us,” he said. “If you want to catch them, catch them when they come here. Leave us out of this.”

In response to the rising tensions, human rights advocates have expressed concern, warning that the CAF ruling should not be used as a pretext for actions against migrants.

They emphasized the importance of separating football-related grievances from immigration issues, urging Libyan authorities to prioritize the safety and rights of Nigerian workers.

The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to issue an official response, though diplomatic efforts are reportedly underway to address the mounting tensions.

Nigerian rights organizations have called for caution and advised Nigerian citizens in Libya to be mindful of their surroundings, as the community remains on edge amid fears of an impending crackdown.

The situation highlights a troubling intersection between sports diplomacy and migrant rights, as the fallout from CAF’s decision reverberates beyond the football field and into the lives of Nigerian workers in Libya.