By OLUKAYODE BABALOLA

Some Nigerian football fans have urged the Federal Government to take proactive measures, to protect the lives of Nigerians living in South Africa, following threats by some fans in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that an advisory by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa, advised Nigerians to be cautious of their movements, comments and maintain good conduct before, during and after the AFCON semifinal clash on Wednesday.

NAN reports that it made reference to alleged comments online from South Africans threatening Nigerians living in their country, should South Africa lose the match to Nigeria.

The fans spoke In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Tuesday in Keffi Local government area of Nasarawa State.

Solomon Abari, former chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Nasarawa State chapter, said football is not a do or die affair.

“If the situation is not checked, the essence of the AFCON tournament of fostering unity would be defeated.

“Africans should not be thinking in that direction because if they do, the whole essence of the tournament will be defeated,” he said.

Linus Oota, a football fan described the threat to innocent Nigerians for supporting their country as uncivilised and uncalled for.

“Sports particularly football, unites people. So, if we have a match with them and they are threatening to attack our people, then those making those threats are uncivilized.

“This is a sporting activity that is supposed to unite and strengthen the bond between the two countries. For the Nigerian ambassador to be issuing advisory shows the seriousness of the matter,” he said.

He said that those issuing the threat have no confidence in the ability of the Bafana Bafana against the Super Eagles in the AFCON semi-final clash.

“The match is yet to be played and they are acting this way. Does it mean they don’t trust their team?

“Have they foreseen that they are going to lose the match and then they are extending the anger to innocent Nigerians in South Africa.

He called on the Nigerian government to issue a strong warning to the South African government to call their citizens to order.

Esther Akaa, Assistant Secretary, SWAN Nasarawa state chapter also called on the Nigerian government, through the High Commission, to take steps to protect Nigerians from any form of attack.

“This is the time for the Nigerian ambassador to sit up and ensure that Nigerians in South Africa are protected.

“The ambassador should liaise with the security outfits there to ensure Nigerians are not attacked after the match on Wednesday,” she said.

She urged those South Africans threatening Nigerians not to resort to violence but pray for their team to emerge victorious. (NAN)

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