[AFCON]Threat: Nigerians in South Africa warned against jubilating widely

Nigerians in South Africa have been warned to watch their jubilation should the Super Eagles defeat the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the ongoing CAF African Cup of Nations.

The Nigeria High Commission in South Africa gave the warning, saying that some sections of the country’s indigenes were threatening Nigerians.

The High Commission in a statement titled, ‘Advisory on Safe Conduct for Nigerians in South Africa Before, During and After 2024 AFCON Match Between Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana,’ urged Nigerians to be law-abiding before, during and after the football match.

The statement, a copy sighted by a PUNCH correspondent read, “The attention of the 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, largely influenced by the upcoming 2024 African Cup of Nations semi-final match between the Super Eagles and the Bafana Bafana on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.

“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 Super Eagles,’ among others.

“In this regard, the High Commission hereby advises the Nigerian community to be watchful of their utterances, be mindful of where they choose to watch the match, especially in public places, and refrain from engaging in loud, riotous or provocative celebrations should the Super Eagles win the match.”

The High Commission added that Nigerians should keep to good behaviour and report any provocation to the relevant authorities.

“Additionally, Nigerians should maintain the good conduct they are known for, and be law-abiding before, during and after the match. Should any provocations arise, they should not be reciprocated but reported to the appropriate authorities,” it stated.

Nigeria booked their semi-final spot at the AFCON after Ademola Lookman’s first-half goal ensured a 1-0 win over Angola in the last eight on Friday.

The 26-year-old’s 41st-minute strike at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium set up a semi-final meeting on Wednesday against South Africa.