AFCON 2023: Of Nigeria vs South Africa Rivalry, Afro Beats vs Amapiano Ahead of Semi Final
- Nigeria vs South Africa semi-final match will be a clash beyond the football pitch in Ivory Coast
- The countries share a deep-seated rivalry, which includes their successful different music genres
- Sports Brief takes a look at some of the major talking points ahead of the AFCON 2023 showdown
As soon as Ronwen Williams thwarted Patrick Andrade's spot-kick to send South Africa through to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals, many knew the stage had been set for one of the most intriguing clashes in recent times.
Their reward for eliminating Cape Verde was a date against Nigeria in the last four, with a place in the February 11 final at stake.
Source: Getty Images
But when the two teams meet in Bouake on Wednesday evening, the final and one hand on the 2023 trophy won't be the only thing at stake - this game offers so much more.
It is a clash that promises to extend beyond the Stade de la Paix, which won't only be used to settle football scores but also the societal issues between these two African powerhouses.
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Afrobeats or Amapiano?
Tyla's win at the 66th edition of the Grammy for Best African Music Performance added an exciting dynamic. The 22-year-old South African beat seasoned Nigerian artists like Burna Boy and Davido to the award, sending social media into a frenzy.
South Africa and Nigeria boast of arguably the most popular genres on the continent - Afrobeats and Amapiano. The West Africans pride themselves in starting the Afrobeats trend, popularised by Fela Kuti, and making it what it is today. Rema's Calm Down, Davido's Unavailable and Burna Boy's Last Last are good examples.
On the other hand, Amapiano is a subgenre of Kwaito music which originated in South Africa before going over the roof in 2019. Kabza de Small's Woza, MFR Souls Amanikiniki, and Adiwele of Young Stunna are some of the noticeable tunes that have gripped the motherland.
It's not in my place to decide which genre is superior, to each their own. I'll let you decide which one works for you and run with it. Artists from the two countries have since collaborated to make a perfect blend of the two genres.
However, it goes without saying that the Nigeria vs South Africa clash goes beyond the realms of football. This will be a music festival of sorts, punctuated by 90 minutes or 120 minutes of feisty football action.
After Tyla's win, Nigerian fans have called on the Super Eagles to respond in kind by beating Bafana Bafana 'on the pitch.'
Nigeria vs South Africa head-to-head records
Talking of on-the-pitch matters, this game will be a replica of the 2000 semi-final, where Nigeria beat South Africa by two goals to nil in Lagos. Revenge will be high in the minds of Bafana Bafana, who quite frankly trail their opponents in terms of football achievements.
Nigeria has won three AFCON titles, the most recent one coming in 2013, while South Africa have only the 1996 title to their name. A win tonight pushes the Rainbow Nation closer to closing the gap if they also win on Sunday.
Their head-to-head records show that of the 14 times they have met, Nigeria have won seven times, and five games have ended in draws, with South Africa winning only twice. The last time they met was in the 2019 AFCON round of 16, where Nigeria prevailed with a 2-1 scoreline.
Xenophobia attacks, security issues
The above issues can often be passed around as friendly fire and banter between two nations, but the unresolved xenophobic attacks in South Africa remain a bedevilling issue for both citizens. The BBC Africa Eye previously released a painstaking documentary on Operation Dudula, an anti-immigrant vigilante group reportedly targeting foreign nationals. DW News have previously reported that Nigerians retaliated against South Africans living in their country.
The worrying scenes from the past haven't been made any better after the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa warned its citizens to be cautious before, during and after the game and not to be overzealous with celebrations in case of a Nigeria win.
"The attention of the Nigeria High Commission in Pretoria has been drawn to potentially inflammatory online comments made by a section of South African citizens against Nigerians, largely influenced by the upcoming 2024 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final match."
South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation has slammed the statement from their Nigerian counterparts, insisting that the 'sports-loving nation of South Africa poses no threat to Nigerian citizens.'
After all is said and done, many will look forward to an intriguing match when a hungry Victor Osimhen takes on a resilient Ronwen Williams.
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Source: Legit.ng
