Before the highly anticipated South Africa vs. Mexico match, a video circulated online showing a group of Nigerians passionately cheering for Mexico. Across social media, the sentiment seemed similar: many Africans appeared more invested in South Africa losing than in seeing an African nation succeed on the international stage.
When the final whistle blew, Mexico emerged victorious with a 2-0 win. But the result itself was not the main story. The bigger question was why so many Africans seemed unwilling to rally behind one of their own.
For many, the answer goes beyond football.
Over the past several years, South Africa has repeatedly faced accusations of xenophobia, with migrants from other African countries often becoming targets of hostility, violence, and harassment. Foreign nationals have frequently been blamed for unemployment, crime, and economic hardships, leading to tensions that have resonated across the continent.
The issue became so serious that countries such as Ghana and Nigeria took steps to assist citizens affected by anti-foreigner attacks and intimidation. Images and stories of African migrants being chased from businesses, assaulted, or told they do not belong in South Africa left a lasting impression on many people across the continent.
Critics have long questioned the logic behind blaming foreigners for unemployment. Even South African opposition leader and politician Julius Malema once challenged the narrative, asking: if foreigners are the problem, then after they leave, where are the jobs that were supposedly being taken away? His argument was that economic challenges are far more complex than simply pointing fingers at migrants.
For many Africans, the frustration is not just about immigration. It is about the idea of African solidarity. The continent has long promoted the vision of unity, cooperation, and shared progress. When fellow Africans are perceived to be mistreating other Africans, it feels like a betrayal of that vision.
As Malema famously said, "A black man is hated everywhere." For some, being rejected by people who share the same history, struggles, and aspirations feels like an even deeper wound.
This does not mean all South Africans are xenophobic, nor does it mean all Africans oppose South Africa. But it helps explain why some football fans found themselves cheering for Mexico rather than a fellow African nation.
The reaction was less about football and more about unresolved emotions, memories, and questions surrounding African unity. Until those concerns are addressed, moments on the football pitch may continue to reflect tensions that exist far beyond the game itself.
