Nigerians in South Africa have been warned against wild celebration should Super Eagles defeat Bafana Bafana tomorrow for a place in the final of the 2023 African Cup of Nations going on in Cote d’Ivoire.
The Nigeria’s High Commission in South Africa warned yesterday in advisory to Nigerians in the Nelson Mandela’s country titled: ‘Advisory on Safe Conduct for Nigerians in South Africa Before, During and After 2024 AFCON Match Between Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana’.
It read: “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.
“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 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.
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“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.”
Conforming receipt of the advisory, the President of Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa, (NICASA) Frank Onyekwelu said it was a timely warning to Nigerians in South Africa to be cautious even in celebration.
Onyekwure said: “It is just to sensitize our people against sudden occurrence of things after the match on Wednesday.
“You are aware that Nigeria and South Africa have a match on Wednesday evening and it is always a do or die affairs for them.
“And we anticipate that should Nigeria win them, the locals may take it out of proportion to either fight Nigerians or cause mayhem or try to retaliate in a xenophobic way.
“You know our people and our loudness; they may try to rub it in their face, which they may react to.
“So we are trying to create awareness that our people should be careful especially where they are watching the match and the next day or two.”