The Federal Government yesterday denied reports that Ghanaians in Nigeria were being attacked following Nigeria's 1-2 loss to Ghana on Sunday in the quarter-finals of the ongoing African Nations Cup, even as Nigerians in Ghana are fearing for their safety following the reports in the local media.
Mr John Odey, the Minister of Information and Communications, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that there was no truth in the reports credited to some radio stations in Accra.v"In Nigeria, no one will take it personal or physical for losing a game.Rather Nigerian fans are known to always turn to support the winning team which has been characteristic of our fans over the years," he said.
The minister also said the defeat of the Super Eagles would serve as a lesson for the development of football in Nigeria.
"Every defeat should be taken with the same spirit of sportsmanship. Better lessons are even learnt from every defeat that will encourage the development of football in Nigeria and Africa," he added.
Meanwhile, the Ghana High Commission in Abuja has described as "untrue", the reported attacks on Ghanaians in the aftermath of the match.
Mr Kwame Tenkwrang, the Ghanaian Deputy High Commissioner, told NAN that the Ghanaian government had since been informed that "there has not been any killing and a statement has been given to that effect.
"The Ghanaian Government takes this matter seriously and has since dispelled the rumour."
However, following reports of alleged assault of Ghanaians resident in Nigeria after last Sunday's 2-1 defeat of Super Eagles by host Ghana Black Stars, Nigerians in Accra and other major cities are living in fear of reprisal attacks following reports of the story in all the local media.
Both print and electronic media in Ghana had reported in the aftermath of the epic clash on Sunday that some Ghanaians died in Lagos and Abeokuta after being set upon by unhappy Nigerian fans and the fear of retaliation has made most Nigerian residence in Accra to stay indoors or avoid night life probably till after the semi final match tomorrow when the host will play the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon at the Ohen Djan Stadium.
However in a related development, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Patrick Timbillah, has assured that the safety of lives and properties all foreigners would be protected through out the competition which will end on Sunday.
He warned that residents who try to make trouble with the breach of laws under the guise of celebrating the victories of Black Stars would be prosecuted accordingly and called on all residents to go about their lawful duties without molestation."We have received information that some gangs are trying to molest foreigners especially Nigerians, my men are on the alert to protect all participants regardless of their nationalities.
"Ghanaians are peace loving people and any attempt by some disgruntle elements to make trouble will not be tolerated," he said yesterday.
The action was a follow up to the intense build up that trailed the clash last Sunday with an assurance from the Inspector General of Police Mr. Mr. Patrick Acheampong, and through out the match, no Nigerian was molested.
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