NIGERIANS residing in South Africa have fully mobilised in support of the Super Eagles ahead of today’s crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein.
Dr Frank Onyekwelu, President-General of the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), disclosed this in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.
“We are eager for victory and for Nigeria to qualify for the World Cup. We have fully mobilised Nigerians here in South Africa to come out and support the Super Eagles in today’s match,” he said.
Onyekwelu noted that over the past few weeks, NICASA had been working in collaboration with the Nigerian Consulate in South Africa to sensitise members of the Nigerian community on the importance of supporting the national team.
“We know it always feels like a power tussle whenever Nigeria and South Africa meet on the field, but we believe this will not raise unnecessary dust,” he said.
According to Onyekwelu, the union has been preaching the “power of Mbotu” — a concept, he described as the spirit of African openness and unity — to encourage harmony among fans.
“We have been preaching tolerance, patriotism, and law-abiding conduct among Nigerians,” he added.
NICASA, according to him, has also been engaging with local law enforcement and other security agencies in South Africa to ensure a peaceful environment before, during, and after the match.
“The union has sensitised Nigerians to live decently and avoid any form of provocation or confrontation around this crucial fixture,” he said.
Onyekwelu expressed confidence in the Super Eagles’ ability to rise to the occasion, assuring that the players would feel the full support of the Nigerian community in South Africa.
“One thing is sure — the Super Eagles will hear, see, and feel our support. We shall ginger them to victory,” he said.
While Nigeria has 10 points after Saturday’s 1-0 win against Rwanda, placing them just one point behind second-placed Benin, South Africa sits atop the table with 16 points from seven matches following their convincing 3-0 victory over Lesotho. (NAN)
