A diplomatic dispute has erupted between Nigeria and South Africa ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash on Wednesday.
The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa cautioned Nigerian football fans against exuberant celebrations should their team emerge victorious, fearing potential xenophobic attacks from disgruntled South African supporters.
However, South Africa dismissed these concerns, labeling them as a “false alarm” and emphasizing the absence of a history of soccer hooliganism against Nigerian citizens.
In its Tuesday statement, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) expressed confidence in the peaceful nature of its sports-loving populace and lamented the creation of unnecessary tension by the Nigerian High Commission’s advisory.
“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 added.
The Giant of Africa has yet to respond to South Africa’s stance on the matter.
Recent years have witnessed a surge in xenophobic violence in South Africa, targeting Africans from other countries who seek improved economic prospects within its borders.
Nigeria’s diplomatic service issued the cautionary statement in response to perceived “veiled threats” from South Africans online, urging Nigerians in South Africa to exercise restraint in their conduct and celebrations, particularly in public spaces.
The AFCON semi-final match kicks off at 17:00 GMT on Wednesday in Bouaké, Ivory Coast, while the other semi-final features Ivory Coast against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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