On Thursday morning, the online clash between Nigerians and South Africans intensified as both sides engaged in a new battle for supremacy. Individuals from each country started ordering e-hailing drivers from the other country and then canceling the rides once the drivers arrived at the pick-up points.

South Africans kicked off the confrontation by allegedly ordering Bolt and Uber drivers in Nigeria and canceling the rides upon arrival. In retaliation, Nigerians did the same to South African drivers. Many Nigerians took to social media to rally their fellow citizens to book rides in South Africa, showcasing their numbers and influence.

On the microblogging platform X, Nigerians were seen mobilizing to demonstrate their strength in numbers, with some users mocking South Africans for initiating a challenge they believed they couldn’t win, given Nigeria’s large population of around 200 million.

In response to the challenge, an X user with the handle @elcoweygetloco warned South Africans that Nigerians are very active online and would likely escalate the situation. Social commentator Moris Monye noted that while South Africans pay to cancel rides, it’s free for Nigerians, which could lead to a disadvantage for South Africans if the challenge continues.

Another user, Bayo Otedola, emphasized that Nigerians don’t need to plead with South Africans to stop the challenge, as their large population and internet access make it difficult for South Africans to keep up. A Nigerian user, @Oladapomikky1, claimed to have booked 15 Uber rides in Johannesburg, urging fellow Nigerians to continue their efforts.

Some South Africans conceded defeat, while others expressed concern about the economic impact on Bolt drivers. Users like @Shaunkeyz and @skyline_check criticized the pettiness of the conflict and its potential effects on livelihoods. @MemeCIC called for a truce, and @MhlangaLindo expressed worry about the negative consequences of the ongoing dispute.

The rivalry also took a different turn when Nigerian Chidinma Adetshina withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant amidst controversy over her nationality. Adetshina, a 23-year-old law student from Soweto, cited safety concerns for herself and her family following an investigation suggesting her mother might have committed identity theft to acquire South African citizenship.