Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) prepared by catalytic decomposition of ethylene are used as support for nickel. The CNF support displays a mean diameter of 50-60 nm, lengths up to several tens of micrometers, as highlighted by TEM. The nickel particles have a size distribution from 10 to 20 nm of diameter. This novel Ni/CNFs catalyst displays good catalytic properties in liquid phase hydrogenation of benzene at a reaction temperature of around 180 degrees C.