As both nations get ready to play each other in the AFCON 2023 semi-finals on Wednesday, South African officials have responded to allegations that Nigerians traveling or residing in the nation are not secure.
In a statement, the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria warned that certain South African individuals had made potentially offensive remarks online against Nigerians who were residents of the country.
The advice stated, among other things, that the majority of the remarks were covert threats against “Nigerians cooking jollof rice” before the game and “showing pepper to Nigerians if the Bafana Bafana lose to the Super Eagles.”
Clayson Monyela, South Africa’s Head of Public Diplomacy, responded to the advise by calling the threats regrettable.
“This is a very disappointing and awful remark from our friends in Nigeria. It produces needless anxiety and strain,” he wrote on X.
According to Monyela, both teams have played each other frequently, and there is little evidence of hooliganism between South Africans and Nigerians.
“Nigerians are not threatened by South Africans🌿🌦. We will continue to discuss this with our Nigerian colleagues via diplomatic channels. Completely needless!
At the AFCON, this will be Nigeria and South Africa’s fourth encounter.
The Super Eagles have won each of the last three meetings, winning every tie. The Eagles defeated the squad from AFCON 2000 2-0 in their most recent semifinal matchup.