• The semifinal clash between the two footballing nations is one of the most anticipated of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations matches.
• In September 2019, Nigerians were among foreigners at the receiving end of South Africa's xenophobic attacks which led to the death of at least 12 people.
Image: HANDOUT
Nigeria has advised its citizens residing in South Africa against celebrating loudly and in a provocative manner should their national team beat South Africa in Wednesday's Afcon semifinal match.
The semifinal clash between the two footballing nations is one of the most anticipated of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations matches.
The match will be played at 8pm local time, followed by the second semifinal between hosts Ivory Coast and DR Congo at 11pm.
The Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria has expressed concern ahead of the match citing what it termed as inflammatory comments online by a section of South Africans.
Nigerians living in South Africa have previously been victims of xenophobic attacks.
South Africa's triumph over Nigeria at this year's Grammy awards has fueled the rivalry between the two nations ahead of Wednesday's clash.
Singer Tyla won the Best African Music Performance for her song Water, beating Nigerian nominees Davido, Ayra Starr and Burna Boy.
Nigerians on X have called on the Super Eagles to avenge them.
"Most of the comments consist of veiled threats against 'Nigerians cooking jollof rice' before the match and 'showing pepper to Nigerians if Bafana Bafana loses to the Super Eagles'," the High Commission said in a statement on Tuesday.
"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."
In September 2019, Nigerians were among foreigners at the receiving end of South Africa's xenophobic attacks which led to the death of at least 12 people.
No Nigerians were killed in the series of attacks but Nigerian-owned businesses were targeted by mobs.
Owing to its status as one of Africa's biggest and most developed economies, South Africa has become a magnet for migrants from other parts of the continent.
Those behind the xenophobic attacks, however, felt that foreigners were taking up their jobs.
During the previous attacks, Nigerians retaliated by attacking South African-owned businesses.
But in its statement on Wednesday, the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria advised against such actions.
"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."
Nigeria qualified for the Afcon semifinals on Friday by beating Angola 1-0 while South Africa edged past Cape Verde 2-1 in a tense penalty shootout after the sides settled for a barren draw after extra time.
Ronwen Williams was the hero for South Africa after he saved four penalties.