Sports
NIGERIAN Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA has urged compatriots to remain calm amidst social media reports designed to scare Nigerians ahead of Wednesday’s Nigeria-South Africa AFCON Semi-final match.
NICASA President-General, Dr Frank Onyekwelu made the call in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday.
“NICASA as the apex body and umbrella body for all Nigeria communities (in South Africa) always works hand in hand with our Consul-General, the Consulate Office and the High Commission in handling this kind of matter.
“Whenever we observe something untoward, we report it to them first and then we take further instructions from them and we relate same to the communities.
“My advise will be that Nigerians at home and abroad should all stay calm.
“I believe their government and higher authorities will do anything possible to diffuse the tension.
“Hence, no matter how things appear now, our people in Nigeria should hold their peace and we pray that it doesn’t lead to violence,” Onyekwelu said.
It will be recalled that the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa, in a statement on Tuesday called on Nigerians in the host country to avoid unguarded utterances, ahead of Wednesday’s AFCON Semi-final match between the Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana.
According to the High Commission, the aim is to encourage safe conduct by Nigerians in South Africa before, during and after the match.
“The attention of the Nigeria High Commission Pretoria has been drawn to online comments made by a section of South African citizens against Nigerians living in the country.
“This is largely influenced by the 2024 AFCON Semi-final match between the Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana on Wednesday.
“Most of the comments consist veiled threats against 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,” the statement read.
The NICASA president general described Nigerians living in the country as peace-loving people who do not instigate violence.
Onyekwelu, however, said if and when there appears to be impending violence, the organisation will tackle such by laying formal complaints to the South African authorities and bring same notice to the relevant Nigerian authorities.
“The two countries have so much in common, so we will do as much as we can to maintain peace and unity between both nations and their nationals.
“So, our people should calm down and let us trust God that the whole atmosphere will diffuse. Whatever happens to be the outcome of the football match on Wednesday, we will trust God that it will not result in violence.
“The South Africa government by now must have spoken to their policing department, to make sure that violence does not happen in all public places where the match will be shown. (NAN)
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-February 7, 2024 @ 11:55 GMT|
Tags: AFCON Dr Frank Onyekwelu NICASA
