A video of Nigerians celebrating their football team’s victory over South Africa in the Africa Cup of Nations has gone viral on social media.
In the clip, the Super Eagles fans taunt their rivals by pouring liquid over their bodies while singing the hit Water by South African singer Tyla.
On Sunday, she won Best African Music Performance at the Grammys, beating several Nigerian superstars.
Disappointed Nigerians responded by vowing revenge at the Afcon semi-final.
Nigeria beat South Africa on penalties after the match added 1-1 on Wednesday night, sparking scenes of jubilation around the country.
There is a long history of rivalry between Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, and South Africa, the continent’s most advanced economy.
The viral Water clip – which is being widely shared on WhatsApp across Nigeria – was filmed at Ahmadu Bello University in the northern city of Zaria.
Hundreds of students gathered in the courtyard of their hall of residence to sing Water after the Super Eagles’ victory.
Popular Nigerian pastor Jimmy Odukoya joined in the jesting by commending Bafana Bafana for their performance despite their defeat, but telling the South African players: “You need water.”
He added: “If it’s any consolation, it’s Grammy water.”
Some Nigerians have expanded the musical rivalry by saying that Afrobeats is superior to amapiano, the South African blend of hip-hop, soul and slowed-down house music that has also gained global popularity in recent years.
And the banter has also taken on a culinary dimension, with Nigerians saying their Jollof Rice is better than South Africa’s Bobotie, a spicy mince-meat dish.
Nigeria will face hosts Ivory Coast in the final on Sunday.
Most South Africans are likely to back the Ivorians. BBC News
