Nigerians in SA warned NOT to celebrate loudly if they win

Nigerians in SA have been warned NOT to celebrate loudly if the Super Eagles beat Bafana Bafana on Wednesday.

NIGERIANS IN SA WARNED NOT TO CELEBRATE LOUDLY IF THEY WIN

The Department of International Relations and Co-operation (Dirco) said an advisory issued by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria is “regrettable” because it creates alarm and unnecessary tension between South Africans and Nigerians.

THE ADVISORY WAS ISSUED ON TUESDAY AFTERNOON

The advisory was issued on Tuesday afternoon.

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The commission said in the advisory that its attention had been drawn to potentially inflammatory comments by a section of South Africans against Nigerians living in South Africa before the Wednesday semifinal match between the two countries in the African Cup of Nations.

THE SEMIFINAL MATCH IS ON WEDNESDAY

“Most of the comments consisted of veiled threats against “Nigerians cooking jollof rice before the match”, and “showing pepper to Nigerians if Bafana Bafana loses to the Super Eagles”, among others.”

The commission warned Nigerian citizens to avoid loud and provocative celebrations if the Super Eagles win the encounter.

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“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 High Commission said.

DIRCO has learned about an unfortunate advisory issued by the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Pretoria.

The advisory is regrettable as it seems to create alarm and unnecessary tension between South African citizens and Nigerians living in or visiting SA.

— DIRCO South Africa (@DIRCO_ZA) February 6, 2024

‘SOUTH AFRICA DO NOT POSE NO THREAT TO NIGERIAN CITIZENS’

In response, Dirco spokesperson Clayson Monyela said the South African national soccer team, Bafana Bafana, has played against their Nigerian counterparts, the Super Eagles, on many occasions, and there has been no history of soccer hooliganism among South Africans associated with the outcome of such encounters.

Monyela furthermore said it was confident that the sports-loving nation of South Africa posed no threat to Nigerian citizens and did not agree with the apprehension expressed by the Nigerian high commission.

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“As we have done in the past with similar alarming advisories, we call on the diplomatic representatives to approach Dirco to address any concerns about diplomatic matters.”

Monyela said.

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