2026 World Cup: Abati Urges Nigerians To Back Mexico Over South

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 re...