Pretoria, South Africa – Nigerian authorities in South Africa have issued a cautionary advisory to their citizens ahead of Wednesday’s highly anticipated AFCON semi-final match against the host nation. The advisory cites “potentially inflammatory online comments” from some South Africans as the reason for the concern.
The comments reportedly include veiled threats referencing the match outcome and potential consequences for Nigerians living in South Africa. In response, the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria urged their community to be mindful of their words and actions, particularly when celebrating a potential Super Eagles victory.
However, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has downplayed the concerns, calling the advisory “unfortunate” and claiming it creates “unnecessary tension.” DIRCO spokesperson Clayon Monyela emphasized that South Africa poses no threat to Nigerians and urged diplomatic channels to be used to address any concerns.
DIRCO has learned about an unfortunate advisory issued by the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Pretoria.
The advisory is regrettable as it seems to create alarm and unnecessary tension between South African citizens and Nigerians living in or visiting SA.
— DIRCO South Africa (@DIRCO_ZA) February 6, 2024This is a very unfortunate & regrettable statement issued by our Nigerian friends. It creates unnecessary alarm & tension. #BafanaBafana have played the Super Eagles many times & there's no history of soccer hooliganism associated with the outcome of such encounters.… https://t.co/STdK5U1XtT
— Clayson Monyela (@ClaysonMonyela) February 6, 2024