AFCON 2023: Nigerians in South Africa Cautioned Against Excessive Jubilation

• The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to tackle South Africa on Wednesday
• Both teams will meet in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals
• Nigerians residing in South Africa have been urged to stay cautious

The Nigerian government has told Nigerian residents in South Africa to be law-abiding before, during, and after the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash between the Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana.

Nigeria and South Africa will go head-to-head for a ticket to the AFCON final as both teams strive to win Africa’s top football prize again, with the Super Eagles' last triumph coming back in 2013.

According to Soccernet, the Nigeria High Commission in South Africa issued a warning to Nigerians to restrain from excessive jubilation if Nigeria eventually wins the semi-final clash.

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The advice also stressed the need for Nigerians to be mindful of their expressions, select safe viewing locations, and refrain from loud or provocative celebrations if the Super Eagles win.

Nigeria is a three-time champion of Africa after successes in 1980, 1994, and 2013, whilst South Africa are aiming to win their first AFCON trophy since their last triumph on home soil in 1996.

Mashego feels confident of victory

Meanwhile, South African defender, Terrence Mashego, says Bafana Bafana are battle-ready for their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash against Nigeria, Daily Post reports.

Mashego reckoned the Super Eagles are a difficult team but is upbeat that Bafana Bafana will scale through the hurdle against the three-time AFCON winners on Wednesday, February 7.

South Africa is seeking a place in the final of Africa’s biggest football competition for the first time since 1998.

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Osimhen a doubt for semi-final

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Super Eagles' top striker Victor Osimhen failed to join Nigeria's trip to Bouake on Monday, making him doubtful of starting in their Africa Cup of Nations semi-final matchup against South Africa.

The 25-year-old Napoli forward is struggling with abdominal difficulties and has remained in Abidjan with the team’s medics, who will continue to assess him before Wednesday’s semi-final.

Osimhen has scored one goal so far at AFCON but has contributed immensely to Nigeria’s success at the competition as the Super Eagles continue their push to win a fourth AFCON trophy.