Some Nigerian football fans have urged the federal government to take proactive measures to protect Nigerians in South Africa amid threats of attack should the Super Eagles defeat Bafana Bafana.

An advisory by the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa advised Nigerians to be cautious of their movements and comments and maintain good conduct before, during and after the AFCON semi-final clash on Wednesday.

The fans spoke in separate interviews on Tuesday in Keffi LGA, Nasarawa.

Solomon Abari, former chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Nasarawa 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.

Mr Oota stated, “Sports, particularly football, unite people. So if we have a match with them and they are threatening to attack our people, then those making those threats are uncivilised.

“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 an advisory shows the seriousness of the matter.”

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

Mr Oota added, “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 their anger to innocent Nigerians in South Africa?”

He called on the Nigerian government to warn the South African government to call their citizens to order.

Esther Akaa, SWAN assistant secretary, Nasarawa chapter, called on the government to protect Nigerians from any 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 to pray for their team to emerge victorious.

(NAN)