Kehinde Fajobi
The Federal Government has refuted claims of security threats to Nigerians in Libya following a recent Confederation of African Football (CAF) ruling in Nigeria’s favour.
The CAF decision granted points to Nigeria’s senior men’s football team, the Super Eagles, and fined Libya for alleged mistreatment of the team during a Nations Cup Qualifying Match.
Reports then emerged suggesting that Nigerians in Libya were facing harassment in retaliation.
However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that there is no evidence of any threat or harassment against Nigerians in Libya related to the CAF decision.
In a statement, the ministry emphasised, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to convey that as of the time of making this statement, Nigerians in Libya are going about their daily activities, devoid of any form of harassment by Libyan authorities, following the verdict of the Confederation of African Football which indicted the Libyan Football Association for their ill-treatment of the Nigerian team and officials while in Libya for a Nations Cup Qualifying Match.”
Reiterating the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad, the ministry added, “The well-being of Nigerian citizens anywhere in the world is a top priority of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and will continue to strive to safeguard it at all times.”
The ministry assured the public that it would continue monitoring the situation closely to ensure the safety and welfare of Nigerians in Libya amid the diplomatic repercussions of the CAF ruling.