AFCON: FG to Nigerians living in South Africa: Be courtly in your celebration

Nigerians living in South Africa have been advised to be courtly in celebration should Nigeria win the semi-final AFCON game on Wednesday in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, the Nigeria High Commission in South Africa has said.

“Refrain from engaging in loud, riotous, or provocative celebrations should the Super Eagles win the match,” the commission urged.

It noted that football matches between Nigeria and South Africa have always been intertwined with “international diplomacy”, hence the need for moderation.

In a statement mailed to Persecondnews by the Nigeria High Commission in South Africa on Monday, it urged Nigerians to be law-abiding “before, during, and after the football match.

“The statement, titled ‘Advisory on Safe Conduct for Nigerians in South Africa Before, During, and After the 2024 AFCON Match Between the Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana,’ urged Nigerians to mind their utterances.

The statement said: “The attention of the Nigeria High Commission in 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 the 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 up 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.