Dirco Condemns Nigerian High Commission’s Warning Ahead of Afcon Semi-Final

by Central News Reporter
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Nigerians in South Africa Urged to Celebrate Quietly if Nigeria Wins in AFCON Semi Finals

Nigeria vs South Africa

South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) has moved to quell concerns raised by the Nigerian High Commission about the safety of Nigerian citizens in the lead-up to tonight’s Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) semi-final match between the two nations.

The Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria issued a safety advisory on Tuesday, urging its citizens to be cautious about where they watch the match and to avoid provocative celebrations if Nigeria emerges victorious.

Nigerians in South Africa Urged to Celebrate Quietly if Nigeria Wins in AFCON Semi Finals
Nigerians in South Africa Urged to Celebrate Quietly if Nigeria Wins in AFCON Semi Finals

“The attention of the Nigerian High Commission Pretoria has been drawn to potentially inflammatory online comments made by a section of South African citizens against Nigeria living in the host country, largely influenced by the upcoming 2024 African Cup of Nations Bafana Bafana [semi-final] on Wednesday,” the statement read.

In response, Dirco has labeled the advisory as “unfortunate” and expressed confidence that South Africa does not pose a threat to Nigerian citizens.

“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 department said.

The South African Football Association (Safa), also cited captain and goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, who was the man of the match in the quarter-final clash against Cape Verde.

Williams made history after saving four penalties out of the five penalties in a shootout – something that has never been achieved at the Africa Cup before.

Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana’s coach, Hugo Broos, expressed confidence ahead of the semi-final clash against the Super Eagles.

“Yes, we know and understand who we are up against. We know the might of this team and that their players play all over Europe. We also know that last time in an Afcon what the result was, but this time it’s different,” Broos was quoted saying on Tuesday.

Kick off is at 19:00 this evening.

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