AFCON: Don’t Over-Celebrate If Super Eagles Defeat Bafana Bafana—High Commission Cautions Nigerian Community

The Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria released a cautionary notice to its citizens living in South Africa.

The advisory, released on Monday, addressed online remarks by certain South Africans targeting Nigerians ahead of the AFCON semi-final.

These comments were deemed potentially provocative. Consequently, the High Commission, located in Pretoria, South Africa, urged Nigerian residents to remain vigilant and exhibit good behavior before, during, and after the match.

“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,” a statement released by the High Commission read.

It added that, “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.

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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.”