Bafana Bafana team. Image via Instagram @bafanabafanarsa.
Nigeria’s ‘warning’ ahead of Bafana, Super Eagles match condemned
Clayson Monyela, of the Department of International Relations, has lambasted Nigeria’s statement ahead of AFCON game.
Bafana Bafana team. Image via Instagram @bafanabafanarsa.
Clayson Monyela, Head of Public Diplomacy for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, has slammed a statement issued by Nigeria’s High Commission ahead of the Super Eagles’ semifinal against Bafana Bafana.
The two nations will be going against each other on Wednesday, 7 February, in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Ivory Coast.
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NIGERIA ISSUES WARNING AHEAD OF BAFANA BAFANA AND SUPER EAGLES MATCH
On Tuesday, the embassy the commission said it had noted allegedly provocative remarks made online by certain South Africans against Nigerians.
“Most of the comments consist of veiled threats against Nigerians cooking jallof rice before the match and showing pepper to Nigerians if the Bafana Bafana lose to the Super Eagles, among others,” reads the statement.
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As a result, the embassy advised Nigerians living in the South Africa against engaging their Bafana counterparts in any confrontation before, during and after the highly-anticipated match.
“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.
“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.”
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MONYELA SAYS THE STATEMENT IS TOTALLY UNNECESSARY
Responding to the statement in an X post, Monyela said the ‘warning’ was very unfortunate and unnecessary. He highlighted that no violence has ever been reported when Bafana Bafana and the Super Eagles clash.
Monyela further said that he would engage with his Nigerian counterparts through diplomatic channels on the matter.
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“This is a very unfortunate and regrettable statement issued by our Nigerian friends. It creates unnecessary alarm and tension.
“Bafana Bafana have played the Super Eagles many times and there’s no history of soccer hooliganism associated with the outcome of such encounters. South Africans pose no threat to Nigerians.
“We’ll engage our Nigerian counterparts through diplomatic channels further on this. Totally unnecessary!”
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