The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a stern warning to Nigerians living in South Africa ahead of the Super Eagles clash against Bafana Bafana, saying there should not be any wild jubilation should the Eagles defeat Bafana Bafana.
The warning was issued in a statement by the Nigeria High Commission in South Africa and sighted by our correspondent on Monday.
The advisoryreferred to “potentially inflammatory” online comments by a section of South Africans made against Nigerians living in the country leading to the AFCON semi-final.
The High Commission, which is based in Pretoria, South Africa, therefore warned Nigerians to be alert and be of good conduct before, during and after the match.
“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 (AFCON) semi-final match between the Super Eagles and the Bafana Bafana on Wednesday 7th February 2024,” a statement released by the High Commission read.
It added that, “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.
“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.”
Nigeria was the first side to book a semi-final berth at the AFCON after Ademola Lookman’s first-half goal ensured a 1-0 win over Angola in the last eight on Friday.
Lookman finished off a flying run down the left by winger Moses Simon, who skipped the challenge of defender Kialonda Gaspar to break free and then teed up his teammate for his third goal of the tournament.
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.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles have earned a prize money of $2.5m (N3bn), after qualifying for the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Jose Peseiro’s men along with South Africa, DR Congo and hosts Ivory Coast, have already secured $2.5m.
Before the tournament kicked off, the Confederation of Africa Football, CAF, president, Dr Patrice Motsepe, announced a 40% increase in prize monies.
If Nigeria advanced to the final, they would have secured a minimum of $4m (N5bn) in prize money.
Also, if they win the tournament, they will receive $7m (N8.8bn).
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