Nigerian High Commission warned citizens of Nigeria in SA to be of good conduct before, during and after the match
The Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa, has advised the citizens of the West African nation residing in South Africa to be alert and stay safe ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final clash between the Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana.
Nigeria will take on South Africa in one of the two last four games on Wednesday, with the winner assured of a place in the final of the 2023 edition of the tournament.
Speaking ahead of the encounter, the Nigerian High Commission in an advisory published on Monday referred to “potentially inflammatory” online comments by a section of South Africans made against Nigerians living in the country leading to the AFCON semi-final.
It, therefore, warned Nigerians based on the country to be alert and be of good conduct before, during and after the match.
“The attention of the Nigeria High Commission Pretoria has been drawn to potentially inflammatory online comments made by a section of South African citizens against Nigerians living in host country, largely influenced by the upcoming 2024 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final match between the Super Eagles and the Bafana Bafana on Wednesday 7th February 2024,” a statement released by the High Commission read.
It added that, “Most of the comments consist of veiled threats against ‘Nigerians cooking jollof rice’ before the match, and ‘showing pepper to Nigerians if the Bafana Bafana lose to the Super Eagles’, among others.
“In this regard, the High Commission hereby advises the Nigerian community to be watchful of their utterances, be mindful of where they choose to watch the match, especially in public places and refrain from engaging in loud, riotous or provocative celebrations should the Super Eagles win the match.
“Additionally, Nigerians should maintain the good conduct they are known for, and be law-abiding before, during and after the match. Should any provocations arise, they should not be reciprocated but reported to the appropriate authorities.”
