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Nigerian High Commission advises Nigerians in SA to celebrate silently when they beat Bafana Bafana.
The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa has sent a strong warning to Nigerian nationals living in Mzansin ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) semi-final match.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will take on Bafana Bafana on Wednesday night at the Stade Bouaké, which is situated northeast of Ivory Coast.
The commission said in a statement on Tuesday that it had taken note of some allegedly incendiary remarks made against Nigerians on the internet by some South Africans. They advised “the Nigerian community to be watchful of their utterances”
“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.
“Nigerian community must be watchful of their utterances”
“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.”
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“Nigerians should maintain the good conduct”
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.
South Africa’s Head of Public Diplomacy ClaysonMonyela has reacted to the te advisory saying that it was “Totally unnecessary!”
“This 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. #SouthAfricans🇿🇦 pose no threat to Nigerians. We’ll engage our Nigerian counterparts through diplomatic channels further on this. Totally unnecessary!
This 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



