DIPLOMATIC ROW BETWEEN S/A AND NIGERIA

A diplomatic row has broken out between Nigeria and South Africa ahead of the two sides’ semi-final match at the Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday.

The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa warned Nigerian football fans to refrain from boisterous celebrations if their team wins.

That warning was intended to prevent the provocation of xenophobic attacks by frustrated South African supporters.But South Africa says that this has only created “false alarm”.

There has been a long-standing rivalry between the two footballing giants – the Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana.“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,” Dirco added.