Vincent Okumagba, chairman of the Unified Supporters Club of Nigeria and vice president of the African Football and Sports Supporters Association, has declared that the recent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa will not deter the fan club from supporting Bafana Bafana in their 2026 World Cup opener against hosts Mexico. The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, kicks off on June 11 without Nigeria's Super Eagles, despite Africa having 10 teams in the championship.
Xenophobic attacks escalate
In recent months, Nigerians and other African nationals residing in South Africa have faced a surge in xenophobic attacks, with the government taking minimal action to curb the violence. Many were given until May 31 to leave the country. Speaking to The Guardian from Canada, Okumagba acknowledged the pain caused by these attacks but emphasized the importance of supporting Bafana Bafana.
“We feel the pain of Nigerians in South Africa,” Okumagba said. “However, we must distinguish between the politics of hate and the spirit of the game. If we withdraw support, we let the perpetrators of violence win by killing the very oneness that football is supposed to foster.”
African solidarity in football
Okumagba stressed that supporting Bafana Bafana does not mean ignoring the struggles of Nigerians. “We support the team not because we ignore the struggle of our people, but because African football is a platform to demand better for all Africans,” he explained. “As we intend to support Bafana Bafana and other African teams at the World Cup, we simultaneously demand that the government of South Africa ensure the safety of all Africans on their soil.”
Nigeria is not competing in this year's World Cup, but Okumagba, as vice president of the African Football and Sports Supporters Association, remains focused on the continent's representatives. “Whilst the individual countries have their own supporters and their colours, ours is to complement and strengthen the efforts of the official national team supporters, and that’s exactly what we have planned to do,” he said. “The national supporters deserve their moment to shine and lead the atmosphere. The African Supporters Association will stand united behind them, creating a powerful display of solidarity, passion, and pride.”
