World Cup: Why Nigerians must support Mexico against South Africa - Abati

Veteran journalist and former presidential aide Reuben Abati has urged Nigerians to support Mexico in its opening World Cup match against South Africa, citing ongoing xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa. He noted that the federal government had arranged the evacuation of 278 Nigerians, with over 1,000 expressing willingness to return. Abati argued that if Nigeria provided better living conditions (electricity, water, healthcare), citizens would be less inclined to seek opportunities abroad. He jokingly warned that supporting South Africa could lead to accusations of Nigerians taking jobs and trigger further xenophobic violence.