Mediaage NG News – Nigeria
A clip showing Nigerians taunting their South African rivals as the Super Eagles defeated the Bafana Bafana at the 2023 AFCON has gone viral on social media.
The video had the Super Eagles fans mocking their rivals by pouring liquid over their bodies while singing the hit Water by South African singer Tyla.
On Sunday, Tyla won the Best African Music Performance at the Grammys, beating other Nigerian artists, including Burna Boy and Ayra Star.
Disappointed Nigerians responded by vowing revenge at the Afcon semi-final.
On Wednesday night, Nigeria beat South Africa on penalties after the extra time, in a match that ended 1-1.
It sparked scenes of jubilations across the country.
Nigeria has a long history rivalry with South Africa. Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country, while South Africa has the better economy in the continent.
The viral Water clip – which is being widely shared on WhatsApp across Nigeria – was filmed at Ahmadu Bello University in the northern city of Zaria.
Hundreds of students gathered in the courtyard of their hall of residence to sing Water after the Super Eagles’ victory.
Popular Nigerian pastor Jimmy Odukoya joined in the jesting by commending Bafana Bafana for their performance despite their defeat, but telling the South African players: “You need water.”
He added: “If it’s any consolation, it’s Grammy water.”
Some Nigerians have expanded the musical rivalry by saying that Afrobeats is superior to amapiano, the South African blend of hip-hop, soul and slowed-down house music that has also gained global popularity in recent years.
And the banter has also taken on a culinary dimension, with Nigerians saying their Jollof Rice is better than South Africa’s Bobotie, a spicy mince-meat dish.
Nigeria will face hosts Ivory Coast in the final on Sunday.
You can guess who most South Africans are likely to back for victory.