World Cup: Abati Explains Why Nigerians Should Back Mexico Against South Africa

Veteran journalist and former presidential aide Reuben Abati has called on Nigerians to cheer for Mexico in its opening World Cup match against South Africa, citing ongoing concerns about xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in the Southern African country.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Thursday, Abati highlighted the Federal Government’s efforts to evacuate Nigerians affected by xenophobic violence in South Africa.

He noted that the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that arrangements had been made to bring back Nigerians who registered for evacuation, with an initial batch of 278 people expected to return home.

Abati said the government plans to assist and rehabilitate five batches of returnees, adding that more than 1,000 Nigerians have expressed a willingness to come back.

He argued that the situation underscores the need for improved living conditions in Nigeria, stating that citizens would be less inclined to seek opportunities abroad if essential services such as electricity, water supply and healthcare were adequately provided at home.

Turning to football, Abati urged Nigerians to back Mexico in its World Cup opener against South Africa at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.

He joked that supporting South Africa could invite further accusations that Nigerians were taking over opportunities meant for South Africans.

“The spokesman for the ministry of foreign affairs has said that all the arrangements have been made for those Nigerians who have signed up to be brought back to their country from South Africa because of the xenophobic attack. First batch, 278 of them will be assisted, will be taken care of, rehabilitated by the Nigerian government,” Abati said.

“We have been promised five batches. We hope that all the five batches over 1000 Nigerians saying that they will come back to their country. There should be a moral story there that if our country is properly organised, then nobody will need to go and seek electricity supply and water supply and good health care in other countries of the world.”

“However, today South Africa and Mexico will be playing the first match at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. I urge all Nigerians to support Mexico so that we don’t even have a situation whereby South Africans will say ‘these Nigerians have come again. They are doing their job for them, and there will be another wave of xenophobic attacks.’”

“I think we will be safer to support Mexico in this opening match of the World Cup. The match is at 1pm Mexico local time, which is at 7pm this evening, and I expect Nigerians to support Mexico.”

“They say we don’t like them. They say we are doing their job. Let us not do their job for them. We will support Mexico.”