The online rivalry between Nigerians and South Africans took an unexpected turn on Thursday morning.
The citizens from both countries engaged in a unique and provocative “supremacy battle”.
This centered around e-hailing services like Bolt and Uber.
What began as a seemingly harmless social media exchange quickly escalated into a full-blown online conflict.
Citizens from each side attempted to outdo the other by manipulating ride-hailing services across borders.
How It Started
The conflict was allegedly initiated by South African users.
The South Africans began ordering Bolt and Uber rides in Nigeria from the comfort of their homes only to cancel the rides as soon as the drivers arrived at the designated pick-up locations.
This act was seen as a provocative move.
The acts aimed at frustrating Nigerians Bolt Drivers.
However, the move backfired almost immediately.
How It Is Going
Nigerians, known for their significant online presence and their ability to mobilise quickly, responded in kind.
Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), were soon flooded with calls for Nigerians to retaliate.
Thousands of Nigerians took to the e-hailing apps, booking rides in South Africa with the intent to cancel them just as the drivers arrived.
It turns the tables on the South Africans who had initiated the so-called “war”.
As the conflict unfolded, it became clear that South Africans had underestimated the sheer numbers and the organisational prowess of Nigerians online.
With a population of over 200 million, Nigeria boasts the largest population in Africa.
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Also, this demographic advantage played a crucial role in the escalation of the Bolt ordering battle
