AFCON 2023: Avoid loud celebrations — High commision warns Nigerians in South Africa ahead of semi-final clash
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Nigeria high commission in Pretoria issues warning ahead of Nigeria vs South Africa || Image credit: Imago/X

AFCON 2023: Avoid loud celebrations — High commision warns Nigerians in South Africa ahead of semi-final clash

Faruq Ibrahim 22:44 - 05.02.2024

Nigeria's High Commission in Pretoria cautions Nigerian residents in South Africa to celebrate decorum should the Super Eagles beat Bafana Bafana in the AFCON semi-final clash on Wednesday.

Nigerians residing in South Africa have received a cautionary message from their High Commission, urging them to exercise caution and maintain a sense of decorum while watching the upcoming semi-final match between the Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana in the 2024 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Staying Level-Headed Amidst the Excitement

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 Nigeria High Commission in South Africa addressed potential concerns arising from inflammatory online comments made by some South African citizens. 

These comments include veiled threats related to 'Nigerians cooking jollof rice' and 'showing pepper to Nigerians' in the event of a Bafana Bafana loss to the Super Eagles.

Maintaining Nigerian Community's Positive Image

The High Commission emphasized the need for Nigerians to carefully choose their viewing locations, particularly in public spaces, and to avoid participating in loud, riotous, or provocative celebrations should the Super Eagles emerge victorious. 

Nigerian High Commision in South Africa warns Nigerians in the country to celebrate cautiously should the Super Eagles beat Bafana Bafana in the AFCON Semi-final on Wednesday || Image credit: X
Nigerian High Commision in South Africa warns Nigerians in the country to celebrate cautiously should the Super Eagles beat Bafana Bafana in the AFCON Semi-final on Wednesday || Image credit: X

Furthermore, they stressed the importance of preserving the good conduct for which Nigerians are known and urged everyone to abide by the law before, during, and after the match. In case of any provocations, Nigerians are encouraged to report them to the appropriate authorities rather than retaliating.

The statement 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.

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“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.”

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