The online clash between Nigerians and South Africans escalated as citizens from both countries engaged in a supremacy battle, ordering e-hailing drivers from the opposing country and canceling rides upon arrival. Social media trends in Nigeria showed discussions around the incident, with users mobilizing to book rides in South Africa to demonstrate numerical superiority. South Africans were mocked for initiating a challenge they couldn’t win against Nigeria’s larger population.
Various users expressed opinions on the situation, with warnings and comments about the consequences of the ongoing conflict. Some Nigerians boasted about booking numerous rides in South Africa in retaliation. Concerns were raised about the impact on the economy and livelihoods of the e-hailing drivers involved. A Nigerian contestant, Chidinma Adetshina, withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant due to backlash over her nationality, citing safety concerns for herself and her family.
The situation highlighted tensions between the two countries, with individuals on social media calling for a truce and expressing concerns about the negative effects of the rivalry.