Africa: Afcon - South Africa Reacts to Concerns On Safety of Nigerians

7 February 2024

The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa had earlier notified nationals living in South Africa of possible violent attacks following inflammatory comments made online by South Africans against Nigerians.

The South African government has described safety concerns expressed by Nigeria as a false alarm.

"The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has learned about an unfortunate advisory issued by the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Pretoria," the agency's spokesperson, Clayson Monyela, wrote in the statement.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa had earlier notified nationals living in South Africa of possible violent attacks following inflammatory comments made online by South Africans against Nigerians.

DIRCO added that 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," it said.

The agency said it is confident that the sports-loving nation of South Africa poses no threat to Nigerian citizens, and does not agree with the apprehension expressed by the High Commission.

"As we have done in the past with similar alarming advisories, we call on the diplomatic representatives to approach DIRCO to address any concerns about diplomatic matters," DIRCO said.

Nigeria's Super Eagles will face the Bafana Bafana of South Africa later today in the semi-final of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.