After Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a victory over South Africa in the Africa Cup of Nations, a video capturing the jubilant celebration of Nigerian fans has circulated widely on social media.
In the video, ecstatic Super Eagles supporters mock their South African counterparts by dousing themselves with liquid while chanting the lyrics of the hit song “Water” by South African artist Tyla.
Despite South Africa’s recent win at the Grammy Awards in the Best African Music Performance category, disappointed Nigerian fans vowed retaliation during the AFCON semi-final match.
Following Nigeria’s triumph over South Africa in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw on Wednesday night, scenes of jubilation erupted across the country.
The rivalry between Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, and South Africa, the continent’s most advanced economy, has a long history.
The viral video, filmed at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, shows hundreds of students congregating to sing “Water” in celebration of the Super Eagles’ victory.
Even popular Nigerian pastor Jimmy Odukoya joined in the jesting, acknowledging Bafana Bafana for their efforts while humorously suggesting they “need water” after their defeat, adding, “If it’s any consolation, it’s Grammy water.”
Some Nigerians have expanded the banter to music preferences, asserting the superiority of Afrobeats over South Africa’s amapiano genre. Culinary comparisons have also emerged, with Nigerians claiming their Jollof Rice outshines South Africa’s Bobotie.
Nigeria will face Ivory Coast in the final match on Sunday, with many South Africans likely to support the Ivorian team.