Nigerians residing in South Africa have been cautioned to exercise restraint in their celebrations should the Super Eagles emerge victorious against the Bafana Bafana in the ongoing CAF African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The warning came in a statement titled ‘Advisory on Safe Conduct for Nigerians in South Africa Before, During and After 2024 AFCON Match Between Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana,’ issued by the Nigeria High Commission in South Africa on Monday, urging Nigerians to maintain law-abiding conduct before, during, and after the football match.
The High Commission expressed concerns over potentially inflammatory online comments made by some South African citizens regarding Nigerians living in the host country.
“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,“ the statement read.
“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,” the statement emphasized.
Furthermore, the High Commission urged Nigerians to uphold good behavior and promptly report any instances of provocation to the relevant authorities.
“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,” it concluded.
