By Victor Kanayo
The South African Government has finally spoken concerning alleged threat against Nigerians ahead of the semi-final clash involving both countries in the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’ivoire on Wednesday evening.
Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria, had in a statement said potential inflammatory online comments were made by some South Africans against Nigerians living in the country.
But reacting to the advisory by the High Commission, South Africa’s Head of Public Diplomacy, Clayson Monyela, described the threats as unfortunate.
Speaking through X on Wednesday, Monyela said, “This is a very unfortunate & regrettable statement issued by our Nigerian friends. It creates unnecessary alarm & tension.
“SouthAfricans pose no threat to Nigerians. We’ll engage our Nigerian counterparts through diplomatic channels further on this. Totally unnecessary!”
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Monyela said both teams have faced each other on many occasions, and there is no record of hooliganism among South Africans against Nigerians.
In three meetings between South Africa and Nigeria at the AFCON, the latter has won all three ties.
Also in their overall head-to-head clashes, the Nigeria’s Super Eagles have seven wins to South Africa’s two, with five draws recorded.
While the Nigerian team has won the AFCON three times, Bafana Bafana of South Africa has won it just once.
