A former Nigerian professional footballer based in South Africa, Peterside Idah, has called on the Nigerian government to urgently support Nigerians facing increasing hostility and insecurity in South Africa, warning that many affected citizens feel abandoned despite worsening conditions.

Speaking during an interview on ARISE News, Idah said many Nigerians living in South Africa now face growing discrimination, economic exclusion, and fear amid recurring xenophobic attacks.

“Nigerian government should sit up and help our citizens,” he said.

Idah, who has lived in South Africa for nearly three decades, explained that the country was once seen as welcoming and economically rewarding for Nigerians and other African migrants.

“It’s a beautiful country… things are working,” he stated.

According to him, many Nigerians initially migrated to South Africa because of the opportunities available and the relative stability of the country’s economy.

“No matter how you invest… you get returns on your investment,” he said.

However, Idah noted that tensions began to grow as many foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians, became economically successful through small businesses and entrepreneurship.

“Nigerians are go-getters,” he said.

He explained that many Nigerians introduced new business ideas and trading culture that gradually changed parts of the local economy.

“We taught them that you could fix a phone… you could do businesses,” he stated.

According to him, resentment started building as foreigners became more economically visible and competitive.

“They started seeing foreigners doing well,” he said.

Idah also claimed that many Nigerians now feel trapped in South Africa because of economic hardship, documentation challenges, and limited support from Nigerian authorities.

“A lot of people want to come back home… some don’t have the means,” he said.

He criticised the Nigerian government for allegedly failing to provide emergency evacuation support for distressed citizens.

“People are crying, ‘We want to go back home,’” he added.

Idah argued that citizens facing danger should not be expected to personally fund their evacuation from conflict-prone environments.

“Imagine somebody in a war zone… and you’re asking them to pay money,” he said.

He also highlighted difficulties Nigerians face in accessing housing and public services in some parts of South Africa because of their foreign status.

“They will not allow you to rent a house because you’re a foreigner,” he stated.

According to him, even access to healthcare and other essential services can become difficult without local identification documents.

“If you don’t have your ID book, they don’t attend to you,” he said.

Idah further appealed for a more coordinated national response to protect Nigerians abroad.

“We have to have sympathy and love our country people,” he said.

Idah concluded that while South Africa still offers opportunities for many Nigerians, growing hostility and insecurity have made life increasingly difficult for foreign nationals, urging the Nigerian government to provide stronger protection, evacuation support, and assistance for citizens seeking to return home. (Arise News)