AFCON: Be mindful of where you watch semi final match- FG tells nationals in South Africa

The Nigeria High Commission in Pretoria has called on the nationals living in South Africa to be mindful of where they would watch the semi final match between Nigeria and their host country on Wednesday.

The Commission expressed concern over the safety of its nationals living in South Africa before, during and after the semi final match if Nigeria wins.

Nigeria High Commission Pretoria in a statement issued on Tuesday said ” The attention of Nigeria high Commission Pretoria has been drawn to potentially inflammatory online comments made by a section of South African citizens against Nigerians living in the host country”.

It said the threats are largely influenced by the 2024 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final match between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, scheduled to hold on Wednesday, 7 February.

“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 the Super Eagles,” the High Commission said.

The High Commission urged Nigerians in South Africa to be mindful of their utterances, as well as where they choose to watch the match, especially in public places.

It also advised that they refrain from engaging in loud, riotous or provocative celebrations should the Super Eagles win the match.

The High Commission encouraged them to continue to remain law abiding and report to the appropriate authorities should any provocation occur.

Football fans all over the world are known to exchange friendly banter each time their teams meet on the pitch, with most of the banter taken in good faith.