Pretoria, South Africa – Ahead of Wednesday’s highly anticipated AFCON semi-final between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, tensions seem to be simmering online. The Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria issued a cautionary advisory to its citizens living in South Africa, citing “potentially inflammatory online comments” from some South Africans.
The comments reportedly include veiled threats referencing the match outcome and potential consequences for Nigerians living in South Africa. Examples mentioned in the advisory include references to “Nigerians cooking jollof rice” before the match and “showing pepper” to Nigerians if Bafana Bafana loses.
In response, the Nigerian High Commission urged their community to be mindful of their words and actions, particularly when celebrating a potential Super Eagles victory. They advised Nigerians to be cautious about where they choose to watch the match, especially in public places, and to avoid loud or provocative celebrations.
However, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has downplayed the concerns. They called the advisory “unfortunate” and claimed it creates “unnecessary tension.” DIRCO spokesperson Clayon Monyela emphasized that South Africa poses no threat to Nigerians and urged diplomatic channels to be used for addressing any concerns.
Monyela further stated that South Africa has no history of soccer-related violence with Nigeria and expressed confidence in the sportsmanship of both nations. He called the advisory “totally unnecessary” and reiterated South Africa’s commitment to the safety and well-being of all Nigerians within their borders.
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