The Nigeria High Commission in South Africa has cautioned Nigerians residing in the country to maintain decorum and avoid provocative celebrations in the event of a victory for the Super Eagles against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the ongoing CAF African Cup of Nations.
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,’ the High Commission emphasized the need for Nigerians to uphold lawfulness before, during, and after the football match.
The statement addressed potentially inflammatory online remarks made by some South African citizens, warning against engaging in loud or riotous celebrations, especially in public spaces, should the Super Eagles emerge victorious.
“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,” reads a statement released by the High Commission.
“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, 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.”
Nigerians were urged to be mindful of their comments and actions, reporting any provocations to the relevant authorities rather than reciprocating them.
The advisory stressed the importance of maintaining the positive conduct for which Nigerians are known and emphasized the need to abide by the law throughout the match and its aftermath.
Nigeria secured a semi-final spot in the AFCON following a 1-0 victory over Angola in the quarter-finals, with Ademola Lookman’s goal propelling them to a showdown with South Africa on Wednesday.
