AFCON: ‘Refrain from Provocative Celebrations Should Super Eagles Win’, Nigeria High Commission in South Africa Advises Nigerians
High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in South Africa has advised Nigerians to desist from provocative celebrations if Nigeria comes out victorious in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final clash on Wednesday.
The High Commission based in Pretoria made this known in a statement on Tuesday, February 6, 2024.
“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 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.
“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,” the statement reads in part.
It advised the Nigerian community to be watchful of their utterances and be mindful of where they choose to watch the match especially in public places.
Similarly, the High Commission charged Nigerians to refrain from engaging in loud, riotous or provocative celebrations should the Super Eagles win the match.
It also urged Nigerians to maintain the good conduct they are known for – and be law abiding before, during and after the match.
The Commission further instructed Nigerians that should any provocations arise, they should not be reciprocated but reported to the appropriate authorities.
Jose Peseiro’s Nigeria will slug it out with South Africa for a place in the AFCON final on Wednesday at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake by 6pm.
