Football is a game that unites people all over the world as many fans hold the game close to their hearts.
The sport can, however, become divisive if the losing side does not take it well.
On July 10, 2019, Nigeria’s Super Eagles played against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana at the quarter finals of AFCON 2019.
Nigeria emerged the winner of the match after scoring two goals against South Africa’s one goal.
The outcome of the match was met with widespread jubilation from Nigerians on social media as they celebrated the victory.
On the other hand, a number of South Africans were not impressed and they expressed as much on the internet.
Popular South African rapper, AKA, lamented on Twitter about Nigeria’s win. He revealed that he is hurt because the match is more than just football. AKA asked why his country always seems to lose to Nigeria at everything.
See his tweets below:
I’m hurt man. This match was bigger than football. The biggest rivalry on the continent. Why do we always have to lose against Naija at EVERYTHING.
— AKA (@akaworldwide) July 10, 2019
It’s a hard pill to swallow man. We keep on losing to Nigeria in every way. 💔
— AKA (@akaworldwide) July 10, 2019
The rapper further expressed that he would have preferred his country to lose to Egypt rather than to Nigeria.
We should have just lost to Egypt … rather than Nigeria.
— AKA (@akaworldwide) July 10, 2019
AKA’s reaction to his country’s loss has raised several interesting comments on Twitter.
Some people feel his statements can further intensify xenophobia against Nigerians in South Africa while others agreed with his points.
See some comments below:
— Madridsta 🇳🇬 (@kennytexxkkk) July 10, 2019
We will never win this ppl they eat cassava and pounded yumm
— Khethiwe_ndlovu (@Khethiwendlov16) July 10, 2019
South African players going home like 😂😂😭😭😋🙃 pic.twitter.com/MzzX3LOac0
— Oyindamola (@dammiedammie35) July 10, 2019
So y'all South Africans are "Moses" for eliminating Egypt. But it seems you didn't read the part of the Bible where it said Moses saw the Promise Land, but he didn't make it there😏 #NGARSA
— 🇳🇬Son of Man🇳🇬 (@DPoeticPoet) July 10, 2019