By Linus Aleke, Abuja
The High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Pretoria, South Africa, has warned Nigerians resident in South Africa to avoid loud celebration, during and after the 2024 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), semi-final match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Bafana Bafana of South Africa, slated for Wednesday 7, February 2024, to prevent unprovoked xenophobic attacks on Nigerians.
The Nigeria High Commission Pretoria, in media advisory, explained that the warning became necessary following a potentially inflammatory online comments made by a section of South African citizens against Nigerians living in the country.
In a Media Advisory tittles “The Advisory on Safe Conduct For Nigerians in South Africa, Before, During and After 2024 AFCON Match Between Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana,” the Nigerian Mission cautions Nigerians to refrain from engaging in loud, riotous or provocative celebrations should the Super Eagles win the match.
It also advised them to be watchful of their utterances, as well as be mindful of where they choose to watch the match.
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 7 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 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”.
Additionally, the Advisory charged Nigerians to maintain the good conduct they are known for, and be law abiding before, during and after the match, concluding that, “Should any provocations arse, they should not be reciprocated but reported to the appropriate authorities”.
