The High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in South Africa sent out an advisory on how Nigerians in South Africa should conduct themselves ahead of a semi-final clash on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria take on the Bafana Bafana of South Africa at the Bouake stadium, 6 PM West African time. Before the clash, there have been agitations on social media with comparisons starting from who produces the best music to who can play the best football.

In the recent Grammy Awards, Tyla from South Africa won Nigerian powerhouses like Davido and Burna Boy, setting yet another tense moment between the two countries as they set to face each other in the semis.

This has surely not ended with online beefing but there are plans to cause physical harm, according to the Commission.

‘The attention of the Nigeria High Commission Pretoria has been drawn to potentially inflammatory online comments made by a section of South African citizens against Nigerians living in host country, largely in
fluenced by the upcoming 2024 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final match between the Super Eagles and the Bafana Bafana on Wednesday 7th February 2024.’ a statement from the Commission read.

The diplomatic representative explained that most of the comments consist of veiled threats against ‘Nigerians cooking jollof rice’ before the match, and ‘showing pepper to Nigerians if the Bafana Bafana lose to the Super Eagles’, among others.

In this regard, the High Commission hereby advises the Nigerian community to be watchful of their utterances, be mindful of where they choose to watch the match, especially in public places, and refrain from engaging in loud, riotous, or provocative celebrations should the Super Eagles win the match.

Additionally, Nigerians should maintain the good conduct they are known for, and be law-abiding before, during, and after the match. Should any provocations arise, they should not be reciprocated but reported to the appropriate authorities.

High Commission of Nigeria in Pretor
ia, South Africa

Another semi-final game shall pit the DR Congo against host country, Cote d’Ivoire. Nigeria has won the AFCON three times, DRC two, Cote d’Ivoire twice and South Africa, once.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

Mr. Kurt Edwin Simon Okraku, President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has expressed disappointment in the Black Stars team following their early exit at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

The senior national team once again put up an abysmal performance at the continental party, after failing to secure a place in the Round of 16 stage for the second time in a row.

Speaking at a Media Presser in Kumasi, the GFA President said ‘We saw our Black Stars in Abidjan and this is not the Black Stars we want to see. I want to see our Black Stars and all our national teams play good football and win games’.

According to him, the period between the team’s last game against Mozambique till date had been a tough for the Executive Council as they seek to find solutions to get the Black Stars in good shape.

He said the GFA was committed to bringing back the lost glory of the team, hence the need to give the public a listening ear to brainstorm on the way forward.

Mr. O
kraku said the only way to begin the journey was to invest in the basics of football to the top level.

‘If we want our national teams to be successful, the journey starts from the very foundation of football and that is why we have brought back colts football being played across ten regions.’

He revealed that the football body would in the coming weeks outdoor a four-year Men’s Football Strategy from its Football DNA policy, which was launched in 2023.

The project aims at growing football in both the male and female categories, with ages ranging from seven to 23.

It also seeks to develop the coaching and playing philosophy of Ghana Football going forward.

Ghana is currently on a hunt for a new Coach to take charge of the Black Stars after former Brighton gaffer Chris Hughton could not live up to expectations.

Source: Ghana News Agency