An advisory cautioning Nigerians in South Africa to tone down their celebrations should the Super Eagles beat Bafana Bafana in the 2023 AFCON semi-finals on Wednesday has caused a diplomatic tiff between the two countries.Nigeria, the three-time African champions, take on South Africa in the first semi-final match of the ongoing 2023 AFCON at Bouaké Stadium, Ivory Coast, tonight with so much at stake.##NAJAVA_MECA_7855893##Initially seen as underdogs, the Bafana Bafana have worked their socks off, eliminating favorites Morocco 2-0 in the round of 16 before edging out Cape Verde on penalties to reach the round of four, where they set up against Nigeria in a much-anticipated tie-. .The two sets of fans have engaged in an online supremacy battle as they taunt each other about who is better. The bantering went a notch higher on Sunday after South African singer Tyla secured a triumphant win at the 2024 Grammy Awards, clinching the Best African Music Performance award on Sunday.The 22-year-old outshone notable Nigerian contenders, including Davido, Asake, and Burna Boy. Sensing trouble brewing, the Nigeria High Commission in Pretoria has warned Nigerians in South Africa to be “watchful” and to refrain from “provocative celebrations.””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. Should any provocations arise, they should not be reciprocated but reported to the appropriate authorities.”Yet, South Africa, in a quick response, has rubbished the concerns, stating that as a sporting country, the outcome of a game cannot drive a wedge between the two countries and pose any danger to Nigerians living in the country.”DIRCO has learned about an unfortunate advisory issued by the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Pretoria. The advisory is regrettable as it seems to create alarm and unnecessary tension between South African citizens and Nigerians living in or visiting SA,” read part of the response.”The South African national football team, Bafana Bafana, has played against their Nigerian counterparts, the Super Eagles, on many occasions, and there has been no history of soccer hooliganism among South Africans associated with the outcome of such encounters. 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.”In the other semi-final game of the night, hosts Ivory Coast will be up against the Democratic Republic of Congo.Vincent Harper stars in Exeter’s win over Peterborough, earns adulation from head coach
