AFCON2023: South Africans planning to attack Nigerian businesses -Nigerian High Commission
The High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in South Africa sent out an advisory on how Nigerians in South Africa should conduct themselves ahead of a semi-final clash on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria take on the Bafana Bafana of South Africa at the Bouake stadium, 6 PM West African time. Before the clash, there have been agitations on social media with comparisons starting from who produces the best music to who can play the best football.
In the recent Grammy Awards, Tyla from South Africa won Nigerian powerhouses like Davido and Burna Boy, setting yet another tense moment between the two countries as they set to face each other in the semis.
This has surely not ended with online beefing but there are plans to cause physical harm, according to the Commission.
“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 from the Commission read.
The diplomatic representative explained 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.
High Commission of Nigeria in Pretoria, South Africa
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.
Another semi-final game shall pit the DR Congo against host country, Cote d’Ivoire. Nigeria has won the AFCON three times, DRC two, Cote d’Ivoire twice and South Africa, once.
