Former presidential spokesperson Reuben Abati has urged Nigerians to support Mexico in their 2026 FIFA World Cup clash against South Africa, citing the history of xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in the southern African nation. Speaking on Arise Television on Thursday, Abati argued that Nigerians would be safer backing Mexico rather than South Africa, adding that South Africans often accuse Nigerians of taking over their jobs. His comments drew laughter in the studio as fellow journalists jokingly adopted Mexican names in solidarity with his position.

Abati’s remarks come amid fresh concerns over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks. Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, is expected to receive 268 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The returnees are scheduled to arrive aboard an Air Peace evacuation flight, with the Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria in Pretoria, Ambassador Alexander Ajayi, accompanying the first batch back home.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that the screening exercise for Nigerians willing to voluntarily return from South Africa has been extended until June 14, 2026, to accommodate more affected persons. The ministry said the move underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad, assuring that adequate arrangements have been put in place to support the returnees upon arrival.