The Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria issues a warning to Nigerians resident in South Africa regarding their conduct in the event of a potential victory by the Super Eagles over Bafana Bafana in the AFCON semi-final.
Nigerians residing in South Africa are advised by their High Commission to maintain composure and exhibit appropriate behavior while observing the forthcoming semi-final encounter between the Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana during the 2024 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Under the title ‘Guidelines for Nigerians in South Africa Before, During, and After the 2024 AFCON Match Between Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana,’ the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa addresses concerns stemming from contentious online remarks made by certain South African nationals.
These remarks include implicit warnings related to ‘Nigerians preparing jollof rice’ and ‘subjecting Nigerians to hardship’ should Bafana Bafana suffer defeat against the Super Eagles.
The High Commission stresses the importance for The Green Army to judiciously select their venues for watching the match, especially in public areas, and to refrain from engaging in noisy, disorderly, or instigative revelries should the Super Eagles triumph.
Furthermore, they underscore the significance of upholding the esteemed conduct synonymous with The Green Army and urge all individuals to adhere to the law prior to, during, and following the match. In the event of any provocations, Nigerians are encouraged to report such incidents to the relevant authorities rather than resorting to retaliation.
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.
“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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