South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) says the concerns over the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final match with Nigeria is “false alarm”.
On Monday, the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa issued a statement urging Nigerians to exercise caution and maintain peace during and after the AFCON match.
The high commission had advised 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 commission also warned Nigerians to be “alert” and of “good conduct” before, during and after the match.
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However, according to a BBC report, DIRCO said the high commission’s statement should be disregarded.
The South African agency said there is “no history of soccer hooliganism among South Africans” during a football game.
“We are confident that the sports-loving nation of South Africa poses no threat to Nigerian citizens, and we do not agree with the apprehension expressed by the High Commission,” Dirco was quoted as saying.
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“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.”
Three-time champions Nigeria and 1996 champions South Africa will face off in their second-ever AFCON semi-final clash at the State de la Paix in Bouake on Wednesday.
Their only previous meeting at the same stage was at the National Stadium in Lagos when Nigeria co-hosted the 2000 finals with Ghana which ended 2-0 in favour of Nigeria.
Given the pedigree, rivalry and ambition of both teams, Wednesday’s semi-final is expected to be keenly contested.
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The match is scheduled to kick off at 5pm Nigerian time.
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