The internet was abuzz on Thursday as many Nigerians took to the social media to boo, jeer, and mock South Africa after being one goal down in its opening match with Mexico as the World Cup got underway in the United States.
Newsmata.com.ng reports that the match, which coincided with the arrival Thursday morning, of 268 Nigerian victims of protracted xenophobic attacks on fellow Africans in South Africa aboard Air Peace flight sponsored by the Federal Government, witnessed a dramatic switch in allegiance from the traditional African solidarity to Mexico as football enthusiasts prayed for the South American country to wallop their opponent.
Netizens thronged the Facebook page of a popular US-based blogger and journalist, Adeola Fayehun, to vent their anger on South Africa and celebrate its 0 : 2 defeat, with two yellow cards to boot.
Ahead of the match Thursday morning, Fayehun had in her promotional video, said: “My people, it is today. Mexico versus South Africa. 3 pm New York time, 8 pm in Nigeria. Who are you rooting for?
“I can’t tell you who to support o, but in case you don’t know, today o, my name is Sophia MarieJose. Actually, Sophia Ann-Marie Jose, beni. (laughter) Your very own mamacita. As I am walking like this, I am walking to Vegas. They need me. “We’ll be shouting ‘Go papi, go papi! Echale ganas! Vamos, mi amor!
“I love my South African people, don’t get me wrong; but some of you’ve been doing too much. Hating on Nigerians, kilode? We don’t even care if South Africa wins. But today, Mexico will know that they have some Nigerian brothers and sisters.
“Hey, my Ghanian people, chale! Who are you rooting for?”
And by the time the match was under way, Fayehun went live again to celebrate Mexico’s first goal.
Hailing Mexico for the one-goal lead, the popular blogger gleefully announced: Mexico 1, South Africa 0; Eh yebo, yebo. Don’t worry, we are praying for you. Thank you Mexico.”
The post, which had garnered over 465 comments in less than two hours, saw Nigerians taunting the South Africans, with some wishing that they would return home without scoring a goal. Some others wished them early exit so that “they will go and protect their jobs.”
Read some of the comments:
Stephen T. Fomba: “Adeola, you are taking the jobs of South Africans by announcing the match result.” (With laughter emoji)
Popoola Olubunmi Samuel: “I wrote before the start of this game that south Africa will be disgraced xenophobically. Imagine 2 solid red card and 2 goals. The beginning of disgrace. South Africa will not win any game nor score a goal in this tournament. E ba mi SE Amin.” (Help me say Amen)
Usman Idris: “Even if South Africa wins today by mistake, most Africans will still Congratulate Mexico. Mad Oo.” (Laughter emoji)
Amanda Okonkwo: “Mexico 2. Xenophobia 0.)
Shehu Zubairu: “I’m African, but I’m supporting Mexico tonight. If we support South Africa, they’ll say we’re taking their jobs! Safe bet: Mexico 3: 0 South Africa.”
Ifeoma Ezeibe: “Mexico 1
Xeno 0”
Justin Eric Obi: “Haaahaaahaaa
“So my dear sister, ADEOLA, is a football fan? We are all cheering the Mexicans here oooooo. Here, the South Africans are like orphans oooo….We are expecting more goals from the Mexicans.”
Evelyn Efe: “South Africa won by red card 2:1” (laughter emojis)
Tukur Gunda Abubakar: “Xenofootbalic Happiness. If I remember how we paid kobo kobo right from Primary School where I suffered with a South African Mr Lord Modise supporting the Anti Apartheid movement. E de pain me.”
Dooshima Ivy: “2 goals for Mexico and 2 red cards for South Africa (with South African flag and four laughter emojis) Una never see anything yet.”
Magi Add: “We are Supporting Mexico So that South Africa can go back home early to protect their Jobs.”
Prince Omoniwa Arutha: “S. Africa vs the whole Africans… If SA plays against an empty stadium…We still support the empty stadium.” #SayNoToXenophobia
Mitshel Leo: “Yes ooooo, Mexico is taking their jobs.”
Frank Azuike: “Mexico 2:0 Afrophobia”
Fortunatus Hugodavie: MEXICO – SOUTH AFRICA!!! Banana Bafana…how market???
“If we support them now…they will say – “we are taking away their jobs”…Mexico will not disappoint Africa!”
Glitz Kay: “A lot are happy that Xenophobia FC lost…!”
Samuel Ayantoye Alabi: “As e dey pain dem (South Africa), e dey sweet us (Nigeria)”
Chigozie H Chizomam: “Just finished watching the match, as a Nigerian, I can sleep very well tonight. Well beaten with two red cards. It can’t be better than this.”
Aburo David Olayinka was however reflective and philosophical. He wrote: “This is the support and solidarity Team Mexico is getting from The African continent which has their Fellow African Brothers and Sisters.
“It is a lesson
“If we maltreat our family, Friends, family friends, neighbours, brethren, mates including blood and Bond;
“They will support strangers instead of us.
“A lesson and sermon teaching and preaching itself.”
Some South Africans however pushed back. Emmanuel Nhcobo, in his comment, wrote: “As long as you support Mexico legally, no one is having problem.”
His compatriot, Nonkanyezi Simtha Stemela, also fired back: “The game is over now we are waiting for 30 june.”
June 30, 2026, is the deadline given to foreign immigrants, especially blacks, to leave their country.
With the arrival of the first batch of evacuees, federal authorities say that additional evacuation flights are expected to follow before the deadline as over 1,000 Nigerians have so far indicated interest in returning home.
