AFCON: Nigerians in South Africa warned against wild celebrations after Bafana Bafana, Super Eagles match

In the statement titled, ‘Advisory on Safe Conduct for Nigerians in South Africa Before, During and After 2024 AFCON Match Between Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana,’ the High Commission urged Nigerians to be law-abiding before, during and after the football match. 

They were also warned to refrain from wild celebrations should the Super Eagles defeat their counterparts to advance to the final of the ongoing AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.

With tensions building up ahead of the game, the Nigeria High Commission in Pretoria noted there have been veiled threats against Nigerians in the country, and urged them to remain peaceful and maintain good conduct. The commission also stated that any provocation should be reported to the appropriate authorities. 

The advisory reads: “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.

“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.”

There has been a long-standing rivalry between the two footballing giants - the Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana.

But in its statement on Tuesday, South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) said there was "no history of soccer hooliganism among South Africans" at matches against Nigeria.

"We are confident that the sports-loving nation of South Africa poses no threat to Nigerian citizens, and we do not agree with the apprehension expressed by the High Commission," Dirco added.

"The advisory is regrettable because it seems to create alarm and unnecessary tension between the citizens of South Africa and Nigerians living in or visiting South Africa."

The Super Eagles will face Bafana Bafana of South Africa in a semi-final clash on Wednesday at the Stade de la Paix, Bouake. The Super Eagles defeated Angola, while South Africa defeated Cape Verde in the previous round, respectively, to set up an epic clash.

Nigeria booked their semi-final spot at the AFCON after Ademola Lookman’s first-half goal ensured a 1-0 win over Angola in the last eight on Friday.

The 26-year-old’s 41st-minute strike at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium set up a semi-final meeting on Wednesday against South Africa.