South Africa has dismissed Nigerian High Commission’s warning that there would a likely attack on Nigerians living in that country regardless of the out come of the semi-final match of the Africa Cup of Nations between the Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana.
Ahead of the game this evening the Nigerian High Commission had told Nigerians living in South Africa to be careful where they watch the game and how they celebrate the result because of a feared xenophobic attacks by frustrated South African supporters.
But South Africa says that this has only created “false alarm”.
South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) said there was “no history of soccer hooliganism among South Africans” at matches against Nigeria.
“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 added.
“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.”
Nigeria has yet to respond to the statement from South African officials.
