By Olutoye Esther
In 2024, Nigerians and South Africans found themselves pitted against each other not once, but twice, in competitions that tested the mettle of both nations. Representing the West was Nigeria, while the South was championed by South Africa, each time the encounters proving to be a high-stakes game of nerves.
The first face-off took place at the much-anticipated Grammy Award Night of 2024, marking the debut of a new award category: Best African Music Performance. The introduction of this category ignited fervent debates and rivalry among fans, particularly between supporters of Nigerian artists Davido and Burna Boy, with Ayra Starr and the duo Ashake x Olamide also in the fray.
However, amidst the fervor of Nigerian fanbases locked in domestic rivalry, they overlooked Tyla, a formidable contender from South Africa. To the astonishment of many, on February 5th, Tyla clinched the award for her hit single “Water,” setting the stage for a Nigeria versus South Africa showdown on social media. The loss was a bitter pill for Nigeria, self-styled as Africa’s Giant, prompting Justin Bieber’s quip that it was “too late to say sorry.”
Reeling from the Grammy upset, Nigeria redirected its focus to the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), eyeing redemption against South Africa in the semi-finals on February 7th. The match drew a massive, eager audience, ready to witness which nation would claim bragging rights. Nigeria’s Super Eagles rose to the occasion, defeating South Africa’s Bafana Bafana 4-2, a victory that was more than just about soccer; it was a resounding declaration of Nigeria’s dominance as the giant of Africa and a unifying moment for the nation.The triumph over South Africa in the AFCON semi-finals sparked jubilation across Nigeria, turning the tables on social media banter. Needless to say, Nigeria savored the sweet taste of vindication,
