Following the verdict by CAF over the forfeited AFCON qualifier between Libya and Nigeria, reports have emerged of calls for mass arrests and fines imposed on Nigerians and videos of law enforcement raiding ‘purported” undocumented immigrants in Libya.
This call reportedly comes in response to a case between Nigeria and Libya over alleged mistreatment of the Super Eagles.
The Nigerian team, enroute to Benghazi, were diverted and left stranded for over 18 hours, unable to proceed with their journey.
Stranded: Super Eagles players left in the Al Abraq Airport for 15 hours. The Players and team officials slept on seats. Photo | X
This led Nigeria to forfeit the match, and lodge an official complaint with CAF.
CAF’s disciplinary board subsequently awarded three points and three goals to Nigeria.
Additionally, the LFF was fined $50k, but have since filed an appeal.
Libya Football Federation defends purported stranded Super Eagles players.
Since then, Libya News Today 1; a local news blog, has urged the government to take action against Nigerians living and working in the North African country without legal documentation.
The post stated:
“All Libyan TV channels are urging the government to arrest the Nigerian workers who are working here in Libya without legal papers.
The Libyan blog post on Facebook.
“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.”
Libya has a 7million population, and the blog commands a significant following with over 188,000 followers on Facebook.
