Abidjan, Ivory Coast – As Nigeria and South Africa meet in the semi-finals of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Wednesday, there is much more at stake for both countries than their chance to play for the continent's biggest football prize.
While the final is sure to be a topic of concern for players and fans alike, the relationship between the two countries has long been a full-fledged, multifaceted rivalry that extends beyond soccer to include economics, music and immigration.
The rivalry was on full display on Monday when South African pop star Tyra was announced as the inaugural winner of the Best African Music Performance award at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, beating out four Nigerian artists.
On social media, there was abuse from South Africans and applause from Nigerians, paving the way for a new chapter in the rivalry.
fierce rivalry
The two countries have long been intertwined on and off the pitch.
While South Africa was fighting apartheid, Nigeria's pan-African stance provided an important source of support for the African National Congress in its fight against white minority rule. The Nigerian government used military aid, financial support, and high-level diplomacy to support liberation efforts, which culminated in the election of Nelson Mandela as South Africa's first black president in 1994.
Ironically, Mandela's opposition to the Nigerian government over the murder of nine human rights defenders, including Ken Saro-Wiwa, under the then military head of state Sani Abacha, and football This caused the above conflict. Nigeria had just won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and won the 1996 tournament in South Africa as favorites. However, following criticism from Mandela, Abacha announced he would boycott the tournament, citing concerns for the welfare of Nigerian athletes.
In the absence of the Super Eagles, the hosts won their first and so far only AFCON title on debut. Although it was a triumphant moment for South Africa, many held the view then, and still do, that Nigeria would have retained the title had they played, and that Nigeria would have won Olympic football later that year. Winning the gold medal confirmed that view.
When the two teams finally met on the AFCON stage in 2000, the 1994 champions lived up to their pedigree and put up a good fight. With a place in the finals on the line, the Super Eagles calmly dispatched a Bafana Bafana team that had impressed up to that point in the tournament. This was the last time South Africa reached the semi-finals of the tournament.
Beyond soccer, competition is fierce.
Since 2014, Nigeria has become Africa's largest economy, almost displacing South Africa as the continent's most industrialized economy. With both countries' economies currently in the doldrums, one commentator called the match a “derby of struggling economies.”
South African broadcaster Robert Marawa told Al Jazeera: “The love-hate affair between South Africa and Nigeria cuts across many issues, from Africa being Africa's number one economic hub to the argument that South Africa would never have won the 1996 AFCON if Nigeria had gone to Nigeria. 'The late Stephen Keshi – while lining up in the tunnel to come with Bafana Bafana [in a 1992 World Cup qualifier in Lagos] – ask please [former internationals] Bennett Masinga and Daniel Mudoh were the ball boys. ”
“And at this week's Grammy Awards, South Africa's Tyra was awarded the award for best African music performance ahead of Burna Boy and Davido, and South Africans complained about things like Nigerians bringing their girlfriends with them. I was holding her,” he said. “It's a big deal, but it's clear that there is no love lost between our two countries.”
The rise of social media has amplified the debate over the origins and dominance of each country's music scene, with amapiano, a genre of South African house music, as the starting point.
Nigerian television personality Ebuka Obi-Uchendu said, “We both have some of the best entertainers on the continent, so naturally it leads to a fight over who is the king of entertainment.” “Both countries almost completely dictate the continent's trends in film, fashion, television and music. It is surprising that today his two biggest music genres on the continent are Nigeria's Afrobeats and South Africa's Amapiano. It’s not something you should do.”
It is often said among some Nigerians that South Africa may have invented the amapiano, but Nigerian artists such as Asake, Ginoleeski and Kisii fine-tuned the amapiano and elevated it to global appeal. about it. This has prompted several South African entertainment figures, including celebrity DJ Bandz, to condemn Nigeria's growing influence in the genre.
“Deep…and very personal.”
But the mostly playful rivalry can sometimes veer into more sinister territory.
Post-apartheid South Africa's liberal immigration policy led to an influx of Nigerian nationals to the rainbow nation in the early 2000s. But as unemployment, crime and inflation rose, a wave of xenophobia swept into the country, making foreign businesses and individuals targets of violence.
In 2019, Nigerian authorities had to deport more than 600 citizens after riots targeting foreign businesses in Pretoria and Johannesburg.
“Sometimes it cuts deep and becomes very personal,” Marawa admitted.
Ahead of Wednesday's semi-final, the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria felt the need to issue an advisory to Nigerian nationals living in South Africa. The statement called for “good behavior” and “must not retaliate in the event of provocation.”
In response, the Pretoria government on Tuesday reprimanded Nigerians, saying it was a “very unfortunate and regrettable statement” and “causing unnecessary alarm and tension.”
This is a very unfortunate and regrettable statement issued by our Nigerian friends. It creates unnecessary alarm and tension. #BafanaBafana They have played against the Super Eagles on a number of occasions and there is no history of football hooliganism associated with the outcome of such encounters. … https://t.co/STdK5U1XtT
— Clayson Monyela (@ClaysonMonyela) February 6, 2024
Adding to the drama, Eastern Cape-based club Chippa United on Wednesday announced the signing of Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley, one of the rising stars of this AFCON, to play against Bafana Bafana.・It was a statement of support for Nuwabari.
“As a proud South African, I feel I am in a unique position. … Me and Chippa United stand behind Stanley Nwabali and the Nigeria Super Eagles,” said club president Siviwe Chippa.・Mpengesi said.
A chance to smile
It's easy to see why this match means so much to both countries. For Nigeria, this is an opportunity to confirm the fact that, as Obi-Uchendu says, “on the playing field there is no contest over who is the leader.” For South Africa, Marawa explains, “this is an opportunity to humble Nigeria.”
In a tournament rife with upsets, Nigeria and hosts Ivory Coast are the clear favorites to advance to Wednesday's semi-finals. The Super Eagles are aiming for their fourth AFCON title and the path to glory looks clear after many of their favorite nations withdrew earlier than expected. Facing South Africa in the last four would be seen as a disaster for millions of Nigerians.
This suits South Africa, who have come this far from successful PSL side Mamelodi Sundowns, to play without the burden of expectations.
Little was expected of Bafana Bafana in this tournament, despite the team being led by 2017 champion Hugo Bruce. His team selection was controversial, but the former Cameroon coach took South Africa further than they had in more than 20 years and won over the skeptics. The elimination of 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Morocco certainly made everyone sit up and take notice.
“The Bulls have stuck to their core players even though they have received a lot of criticism,” Marawa said. “They know that no one expected them to go this far, so they [there is] There is no pressure on them and all the pressure is on Nigeria who are the favorites to win the tournament. ”
Regardless of the outcome, the reaction on social media will likely be fierce.
“Everyone wants the opportunity to 'cook' the other country after a match, and Nigerians have that skill to T level,” Obi Uchendu said. “Glancing is in the DNA of Nigerians, so what better way to achieve it than by defeating the continent's biggest rival? For every Nigerian, that bragging rights is fuel to the fire. You need it to pour it.”
But South Africans seem convinced they will be gloating.
“Oh, when South Africa manages to win, you'll never hear the end of it,” Marawa said. “Amapiano echoes from the Cape to Cairo and Abidjan!”
