“Exercise Caution in Celebrations,” Nigerian Fans Advised Amid Diplomatic Tensions with South Africa
A diplomatic dispute has emerged between Nigeria and South Africa ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash on Wednesday.
The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa has cautioned Nigerian football fans against engaging in exuberant celebrations if their team emerges victorious.
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The advisory aims to prevent potential provocation of xenophobic incidents by disgruntled South African supporters.
South Africa dismisses the warning as a “false alarm,” asserting that there is no history of soccer hooliganism among its citizens during matches against Nigeria.
Despite the longstanding rivalry between the Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) expressed confidence in the peaceful nature of its sports-loving nation. Dirco criticized the advisory, stating that it fosters unnecessary tension between South African citizens and Nigerians.
As of now, Nigeria has not responded to South Africa’s statement.
Given the recent wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, particularly targeting Africans seeking better economic opportunities, Nigeria’s diplomatic service issued the warning in response to perceived “veiled threats” online by South Africans.
The advisory encourages Nigerians in South Africa to be cautious in their expressions, choose carefully where they watch the match, especially in public places, and abstain from engaging in loud, riotous, or provocative celebrations in the event of a Super Eagles victory.
The semi-final match is scheduled for 17:00 GMT (6 PM Nigerian time) on Wednesday in the Ivorian city of Bouaké, with Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of Congo facing off in the other semi-final.