Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister Addresses Reports of Mass Arrests of Nigerians in Libya

Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Tuggar, has addressed reports of mass arrests and fines affecting Nigerians in Libya following the CAF ruling on the treatment of the Super Eagles football team. He affirmed the Nigerian government’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of its citizens, both domestically and internationally.

The issue began when the Nigerian football team was detained at Al-Abraq Airport in eastern Libya for over 20 hours upon their arrival for a crucial qualifier for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. In response, CAF found the Libyan Football Federation in violation of several regulations, awarding Nigeria three points and three goals for the abandoned match, and imposing a $50,000 fine on the LFF.

Minister Tuggar emphasized that the Nigerian government is actively monitoring the situation and maintaining communication with Libyan authorities to ensure that the rights of Nigerian citizens are upheld. The Foreign Affairs Ministry is also coordinating with Nigerian diplomatic missions in Libya to assist those affected and address any emerging issues related to this matter.