Ahead of the CAF African Cup of Nations semifinal match between the two nations, the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation has declared that there are no potential threats to Nigerians residing in or traveling to the country.
In response to the Monday statement from the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa, the department made this disclosure on Tuesday.
“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 Nigerian High Commission advised in an advisory.
The high commission stated that the remarks were “largely influenced” by the impending AFCON match on Wednesday, February 7 (today), and that it was based on “potentially inflammatory online comments made by a section of South African citizens against Nigerians living in the host country” in its advisory.
According to the BBC on Tuesday, South Africa’s DIRCO responded that it disagrees with the Nigerian High Commission and that there is “no threat to Nigerian citizens” in the nation.
The High Commission’s recommendation “seems to create alarm and unnecessary tension” between citizens of the two countries, according to DIRCO’s additional observation.
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The statement said, “We disagree with the High Commission’s concerns and are convinced that South Africa, a country that loves sports, does not pose a threat to Nigerian citizens.”
“The advisory is regrettable as it appears to incite unwarranted anxiety and tension between South African citizens and Nigerians who reside in or are visiting South Africa.”
Today at 6 p.m. (Nigerian time), the Super Eagles of Nigeria take on the Bafana Bafana of South Africa at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake, Ivory Coast.
The Eagles have won the last three meetings in this tournament, making today’s match the fourth meeting overall.
