Abati Mexico World Cup Support as Reuben Abati urges Nigerians to back Mexico against South Africa, linking his comment to xenophobia concerns

Veteran journalist and former presidential aide Reuben Abati on Thursday called on Nigerians to support Mexico in its opening World Cup match against South Africa, linking his remarks to ongoing concerns over xenophobic attacks affecting Nigerians living in South Africa.

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Abati’s call to support Mexico at World Cup comment, where he referenced recent evacuation efforts initiated by the Federal Government for Nigerians reportedly affected by violence in South Africa.

Abati said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had concluded arrangements to repatriate Nigerians who registered for evacuation, with an initial batch of 278 citizens expected to return home.

He further noted that the government planned multiple evacuation phases, with more than 1,000 Nigerians reportedly indicating willingness to return.

According to him, the situation highlights deeper structural challenges in Nigeria, arguing that improved access to basic services such as electricity, water and healthcare would reduce the need for citizens to seek opportunities abroad.

Abati Mexico World Cup remark, however, drew particular attention when he shifted the discussion to football, urging Nigerians to back Mexico in their World Cup opener against South Africa at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.

He suggested, in a light-hearted tone, that supporting South Africa could lead to further accusations against Nigerians in the diaspora, framing his comment as both humorous and cautionary.

“Let us support Mexico so that we don’t even have a situation whereby South Africans will say ‘these Nigerians have come again,’” he said.

Abati added that Nigerians should avoid actions that could be misinterpreted internationally, reiterating his call for support for Mexico in the fixture scheduled for 1pm local time, equivalent to 7pm in Nigeria.

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