South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has downplayed concerns raised by the Nigerian High Commission about the safety of Nigerians living in or visiting the country ahead of Wednesday’s CAF African Cup of Nations semi-final match between the two nations.
The Nigerian High Commission issued an advisory on Monday, urging Nigerians to be cautious and avoid public celebrations if their team, the Super Eagles, win the match. This advisory cited “potentially inflammatory online comments” from some South African citizens as the reason for their concern.
However, DIRCO has denied these claims in a statement released on Tuesday. According to the body, “South Africa poses no threat to Nigerian citizens”, and the High Commission’s advisory was “regrettable” as it “creates unnecessary tension” between the two countries.
“We are confident that the sports-loving nation of South Africa poses no threat to Nigerian citizens,” DIRCO stated, adding that they disagree “with the apprehension expressed by the High Commission.”
The Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana will lock horns at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake, Ivory Coast, today at 6 PM Nigerian time.
