Nigerians living in SA urged against unruly behavi...

Nigerians living in SA urged against unruly behaviour ahead of Afcon match

… as SA govt assures Nigerians of non-violence

Oscar J Jeke

The High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has warned its citizens residing in South Africa not to engage in rowdy celebrations amidst many inflammatory online comments.

This comes as Nigeria and South Africa are set to clash in an Africa Cup of Nations semi-final match on Wednesday, with Nigerians living in the host nation, South Africa cautioned to exercise safe conduct.

In a statement, The Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria reiterated that most of the inflammatory online statements are targetted at Nigerians living in South Africa in the case that it loses to Nigeria, with the High Commission advising the fans to be watchful of their utterances and where they choose to watch the game.

“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,” reads the statement.

“The Nigerian community need to be watchful of their utterances, be mindful of where they choose to watch the match especially in public spaces and refrain from engaging in loud, riotous or provocative celebrations should the Super Eagles win the match,” the statement read.

The commission also urged Nigerian citizens to maintain good conduct and to abide by the laws of the country should there arise a provocation.

The South African government has, however assured Nigerians of non-violence ahead of the Afcon clash between the two nations.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation in South Africa has said Nigerians in the country should not be alarmed or fearful following an advisory issued by the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Pretoria

The High Commission issued a warning to Nigerians in SA to be cautious ahead of an Afcon semi-final match to be played later today between the two countries.

DIRCO said Nigerians should not be alarmed over the statement and described the warning as unfortunate.

“The advisory is regrettable because it seems to create alarm and unnecessary tension between the citizens of South Africa and Nigerians living in or visiting South Africa.

“The South African national soccer team, Bafana Bafana, has played against their Nigerian counterparts, the Super Eagles, on many occasions, and there has been no history of soccer hooliganism among South Africans associated with the outcome of such encounters.

“We are confident that the sports-loving nation of South Africa poses no threat to Nigerian citizens, and we do not agree with the apprehension expressed by the High Commission,” reads the statement.

DIRCO further urged diplomatic representatives to approach the department for any diplomatic matters before issuing alarming advisories.