2025 African Cup of Nations Qualifiers: Libya have decided to arrest Nigerian citizens in their masses after the CAF verdict over the alleged inhumane treatment of the Super Eagles.
A Libyan News Outlet, Libya News Today 1, shared a Facebook post with a caption saying, “All Libyan TV channels are urging the government to arrest the Nigerian workers who are working here in Libya without legal papers. They have to pay $500 plus taxes.”
“The fine that Libya is accused of will be paid by Nigerian citizens who live in Libya. We have been subjected to injustice. We have no borders with Nigeria. What benefit are they to us? They’re a burden on the Libyan people. They have to go back home.”
In addition, the Libya Football Federation were told to pay a sum of $50,000 within two months.
The Super Eagles defeated the Libyan side 1-0 in the 2025 African Cup of Nations Qualifiers in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
The Nigerian team proceeded to travel to Libya for the second leg of the game which was supposed to happen on October 15, 2024.
Upon the national team’s approach to the expected destination, Benghazi, Libya, the Libyan authorities directed the flight to fly to Al Abraq, which is 150 miles away.
The Super Eagles were left unattended when they arrived at Al Abraq Airport, Libya, for over 16 hours.
After long attempts by the Nigeria Football Federation delegates to get the attention of the Libya Football Federation, they decided to go back to Nigeria after every attempt was unattainable.
The incident that happened in Libya caused a national outcry.
The pictures of Nigerian players were seen on the internet sleeping helplessly on the airport bench.
What an Eye Witness Said About the Mass Arrest of the Nigerian Citizens in Libya
A Nigerian citizen, Emmanuel, who currently resides in Libya, disclosed everything that is happening to Nigerians in the country.
He said, “They have already started. The news came out on Saturday, and they were saying they can’t accept it and that they are not the ones who will pay the money.”
Emmanuel continued saying “Someone called me and said they had already begun arresting people in his area. The same thing is happening here in Tripoli. In some places, people were arrested on Sunday morning and afternoon.”
“As I mentioned before, Libyans don’t hide their feelings. They believe that by doing this, they are getting their revenge.”
The Nigeria Football Federation has not reacted to the latest update on Libya’s treatment of Nigerian citizens.
What Next For The Libya National Team And The Nigeria National Team
The Libyan team will play against the Rwanda national team on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 5:00 pm.
The Super Eagles will play against Benin on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 8:00 pm. The Nigerian team will get the three points against the Benin side.
