The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa has issued a warning to Nigerians in South Africa due to inflammatory online comments made by South Africans against Nigerians. However, the South African government has rejected these safety concerns.
Clayson Monyela, the spokesperson for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), described the advisory as regrettable and insisted that it creates unnecessary tension between South Africans and Nigerians.
DIRCO argued that there is no history of soccer hooliganism associated with encounters between the South African national soccer team, Bafana Bafana, and their Nigerian counterparts, the Super Eagles. The agency expressed confidence that South Africa poses no threat to Nigerian citizens and urged diplomatic representatives to address concerns through proper channels.
The semi-final match between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana is scheduled for today at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
This development adds a layer of complexity to the sporting event, as concerns about safety and diplomatic relations take center stage alongside the football match.
