2026 World Cup: Abati Urges Nigerians to Support Mexico Over South Africa, Cites Xenophobia

Veteran journalist and former presidential spokesperson, Reuben Abati, has called on Nigerians to support co-hosts Mexico over South Africa in Thursday's 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match, citing lingering tensions over xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians in the Rainbow Nation.

Veteran journalist and former presidential adviser, Reuben Abati, has called on Nigerians to cheer for Mexico in their FIFA World Cup opener against South Africa, citing lingering tensions over xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians living in the Rainbow Nation.

Speaking Thursday on Arise Television's Morning Show, Abati referenced the Federal Government's ongoing evacuation of citizens affected by anti-foreigner violence in South Africa.

He noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had finalised plans to bring back Nigerians who registered for repatriation, with an initial group of 278 people expected to return. Abati added that authorities promised five batches of evacuees would receive support and rehabilitation, and that over 1,000 Nigerians have so far volunteered to come home.

Drawing a moral lesson from the crisis, he said the situation should serve as a lesson: if Nigeria provided reliable electricity, clean water, and decent healthcare, fewer citizens would feel compelled to seek a living abroad.

Turning to football, Abati — half in jest — argued that supporting South Africa could provoke fresh accusations that Nigerians are "stealing" jobs and opportunities meant for locals. He therefore urged the nation to throw its weight behind Mexico in the match scheduled for 7 p.m. Nigerian time at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium.

"They say we don't like them. They say we are doing their job," Abati said. "Let us not do their job for them. We will support Mexico."

The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially kicks off today, Thursday, June 11, with co-hosts Mexico meeting South Africa in the opening game — a repeat of the 2010 opener in Johannesburg when the Bafana Bafana hosted the event. That game in 2010 ended 1-1, with South Africa opening the scoring with a fantastic strike by Siphiwe Tshabalala before Mexico drew level in the second half.

With 80,000 fans expected to pack the prestigious Estadio Azteca, the opener marks the start of a 39-day tournament featuring 104 games , 40 more than in the last edition in Qatar 2022. With an expanded participation pool of 48 teams, the 2026 World Cup is the biggest in the sport's history and the first to be held in three countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The gigantic Estadio Azteca is set to make history as the first stadium to host three FIFA World Cup opening matches (1970, 1986, and 2026).

Pundits have already picked Mexico as clear favourites for the opening day win due to home advantage and a higher FIFA ranking. Mexico are unbeaten in their last eight matches, equalling the longest unbeaten run they have taken into a World Cup. At number 60 in the FIFA rankings, South Africa are far below 14th-ranked Mexico.

June 11, 2026, marks exactly 16 years since South Africa last appeared on the World Cup stage, making their return one that brings back waves of nostalgia.