Nigerians living in South Africa have been advised to be careful of where they watch the semi final African Cup of Nations match between the country’s Bafana Bafana team and the Super Eagles.
They were also told to be mindful of the way they celebrate if the national team wins.
The Nigeria’s High Commission in South Africa issued the warning in a statement dated February 6, 2024, titled, “Advisory on safe conduct for Nigerians in South Africa before, during and after 2024 AFCON match between Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana.’’
Advising Nigerians to be of good conduct, it urged its citizens to show restraint in every provocation and report to appropriate authorities.
The advisory read, “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, February 7, 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.”
(Peoples Gazette)