South African Government Dismisses Safety Concerns Raised by Nigerian High Commission Ahead of AFCON Clash

In response to safety concerns raised by the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) of the South African government has labeled the advisory as a false alarm.

In an official statement, Clayson Monyela, the spokesperson for DIRCO, expressed regret over the advisory, stating, “The Department has learned about an unfortunate advisory issued by the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Pretoria.”

The Nigerian High Commission had earlier warned its nationals in South Africa about potential violent attacks following inflammatory online comments made by South Africans against Nigerians. However, DIRCO dismissed these concerns, emphasizing that the advisory could create unnecessary tension between South African citizens and Nigerians residing or visiting the country.

DIRCO pointed out the absence of a history of soccer hooliganism associated with encounters between the South African national soccer team, Bafana Bafana, and their Nigerian counterparts, the Super Eagles. The agency expressed confidence 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,” stated DIRCO.

The unfolding events come on the eve of a highly anticipated semi-final clash between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), raising tensions ahead of the crucial football encounter.