Tensions Simmer Between Nigeria and South Africa: A Complex and Enduring Rivalry

The recent controversy over Nigeria’s youth basketball team being denied travel permits to participate in an international competition in South Africa has drawn attention to the long-simmering tensions between the two African economic heavyweights. The dispute is the latest in a series of incidents that have marred relations between Nigeria and South Africa, spanning decades.

The roots of the animosity can be traced back to the end of apartheid in South Africa and Nigeria’s military government at the time. In 1996, anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela criticized the Nigerian authorities’ execution of writer and activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight others. The Nigerian military head of state, General Sani Abacha, retaliated by boycotting the African Cup of Nations in South Africa, sparking a tit-for-tat rivalry that has continued to this day.

In recent years, the tensions have spilled over into various areas, including sports, music, and even beauty contests. The 2019 wave of violence against Nigerians in South Africa, which resulted in the repatriation of hundreds of Nigerian citizens, was a significant flashpoint. The subsequent reprisal attacks in Nigeria saw South African businesses torched and looted, further escalating the tensions.

The basketball controversy, however, has highlighted the enduring nature of the rivalry. South Africa’s consulate in Nigeria initially denied the Nigerian team travel permits without explanation, prompting the Nigerian government to intervene and resolve the matter just hours before the team’s first game. Ugo Udezue, the leader of the Nigerian side, accused the South African authorities of attempting to deliberately stop the team from participating.

The dispute has also disrupted other areas of life, including ride-sharing platforms. In August, the Bolt platform halted inter-country requests between South Africa and Nigeria after users began pranking drivers with false trip bookings.

Music has also become a flashpoint, with the recent "Afrobeats v. Amapiano" dispute between Nigerian and South African artists. Grammy-winning singer Tyla won "Best Afrobeats" at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, ahead of Nigerian artists Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, and Tems. Tyla’s win was met with controversy, with some arguing that it pitted the two nations against each other.

The rivalry has also been linked to international politics, with former Nigerian foreign minister Bolaji Akinyemi accusing South Africa of seeking to undermine Nigeria’s advancement in the BRICS group of emerging economies. Akinyemi suggested that South Africa wants to keep Nigeria out of the group to bolster its own hopes of a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

Despite the ongoing tensions, both countries remain significant trade partners in Africa, with South Africa importing a significant amount of crude oil from Nigeria. Experts argue that both nations would benefit from putting their differences aside and focusing on their shared interests.

"As African countries, we need to reinforce that moral, philosophical, ideological, Pan-African standpoint as a basis for inspiring new forms of collaboration," said Olawale Olusola, an international relations expert at the Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria.

The ongoing rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa is a complex and multifaceted issue, driven by a mix of historical, political, and economic factors. As the two countries continue to navigate their relationships, it is clear that a deeper understanding and collaboration are essential for resolving the tensions and promoting greater unity and cooperation in Africa.