AFCON 2023: Nigeria High Commission Cautions Nigerians In South Africa To Mind The Way They Celebrate

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On Monday, 5th February, 2023, Nigeria High Commission in South Africa released a statement urging Nigerians based in South Africa to limit their celebration should the Super Eagles defeat their Semi-final rival, Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Wednesday 7th February in the ongoing Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON).

The statement was titled; “Advisory on Safe Conduct for Nigerians in South Africa Before, During and After 2024 AFCON Match Between Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana”

In the released statement, Nigeria High Commission in Pretoria, revealed that to avoid provocation and any form of violence, Nigerians should be law abiding while celebrating and report any act intended to trigger violence to the law enforcement agencies.

The statement reads;

“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.”

“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 reads.