‘There is no threat to Nigerians,’ — S'Africa Says In Response To A Safety Alert Before The Afcon Semifinal
The Nigerian High Commission was reprimanded by South Africa's Foreign Ministry for suggesting that Nigerians living in South Africa should exercise caution during the AFCON match.
According to the Ministry, there have never been any attacks on Nigerians by South Africans over a football match, and the press release is causing needless anxiety and tension.
The concerns surrounding South Africa's match against Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final are deemed "false alarm" by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
In a statement released on Monday, the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa, urged Nigerians to be cautious and to keep the peace both during and after the AFCON game.
The high commission had warned the Nigerian population “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.”
However, the commission advised Nigerians to exercise “good conduct” and to be “alert” prior to, during, and following the game.
A BBC report claims that DIRCO disagreed, stating that the high commission's assertion ought to be ignored.
“No history of soccer hooliganism among South Africans” during a football game, according to the South African agency.
“We are confident that the sports- loving nation of South Africa poses no threat to Nigerian citizens, and we do not agree with the apprehension expressed by the High Commission,” Dirco was quoted as saying.
“The advisory is regrettable because it seems to create alarm and unnecessary tension between the citizens of South Africa and Nigerians living in or visiting South Africa.”
Three-time champions Nigeria and 1996 champions South Africa will face off in their second-ever AFCON semi-final clash at the State de la Paix in Bouake on Wednesday.
Their sole prior encounter at this location took place in the 2000 finals, which Nigeria and Ghana co-hosted and which ended 2-0 in Nigeria's favor, at the National Stadium in Lagos.
The rivalry, history, and aspirations of both teams mean that Wednesday's semi-final is sure to be fiercely competitive.
The game is set to begin at 5:00 p.m. Nigerian time.
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