The Department of International Relations and Co-operation (Dirco) has responded to a statement issued by the Nigerian Embassy in Pretoria, dismissing it as “totally unnecessary”.
The Nigerian Embassy had urged soccer fans to be cautious about where they celebrate the upcoming AFCON semi-final match between the Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana.
In its statement, the Nigerian High Commission expressed concern about potentially inflammatory online comments by some South African citizens against Nigerians living in South Africa.
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These comments were largely influenced by the upcoming match and included veiled threats against Nigerians cooking jollof rice and showing pepper to Nigerians if Bafana Bafana were to lose.
The High Commission advised the Nigerian community to be mindful of their words, choose their viewing locations carefully, and refrain from engaging in loud, riotous, or provocative celebrations if the Super Eagles were to win.
They also emphasized the importance of maintaining good conduct and abiding by the law before and after the match. Any provocations were to be reported to the appropriate authorities rather than reciprocated.
In response, South Africa’s Head of Public Diplomacy at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Clayson Monyela, criticized Nigeria’s statement as “totally unnecessary”.
Monyela stated that there is no history of soccer hooliganism associated with encounters between Bafana Bafana and the Super Eagles. He expressed confidence in the sport-loving nation of South Africa, assuring that Nigerian citizens were not under any threat.
Despite Monyela’s reassurances, several South Africans expressed their frustrations on social media platforms. The exact nature of these frustrations was not specified.
The diplomatic statements issued by both South Africa and Nigeria highlight the importance of maintaining peace and respect during sporting events. While tensions can sometimes run high, fans must remember that sportsmanship and mutual respect should prevail.
As the AFCON semi-final approaches, it is essential for all fans, regardless of their nationalities, to celebrate responsibly and peacefully. Sporting events can bring people together and foster positive relations between nations. It is vital that the spirit of friendly competition is upheld, and any potential conflicts are avoided.
This is a very unfortunate & regrettable statement issued by our Nigerian friends. It creates unnecessary alarm & tension. #BafanaBafana have played the Super Eagles many times & there's no history of soccer hooliganism associated with the outcome of such encounters.… https://t.co/STdK5U1XtT
— Clayson Monyela (@ClaysonMonyela) February 6, 2024
Nigerian friends? They are not our friends at all. Sharing the same continent doesn’t make us friends.
— Duduzile🇿🇦🍉✊🏽 (@SothoDudu) February 6, 2024
Your level of tolerance is why all these African countries make SA their playing ground. This level of disrespect should have high consequences, not this jolly-jolly approach you are displaying here.
— ⚽️Dinho 💥 (@MaraDinho_10) February 6, 2024
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