Our Brothers Are Dead In South Africa; I’ve Been In SA For 17 Years Without Achieving Anything -Eze Princewill

South African returnee, Eze Princewill, has lamented the hardships he endured during his 17 years in South Africa, alleging that many Nigerians have lost their lives while others returned home without achieving their dreams.

Princewill made the remarks during an interview on Vanguard News TV on Saturday, 18 July, 2026, where he reflected on his years in the country and the challenges faced by Nigerians seeking better opportunities abroad. He said many migrants leave Nigeria with high hopes but often encounter harsh realities that leave them financially and emotionally devastated.

Speaking on his experience, Princewill said, “A lot of our brothers are dead in South Africa. I have been in South Africa for 17 years without achieving anything.” He described the statement as a painful summary of his life abroad, saying the years he spent outside Nigeria did not produce the success he had envisioned before leaving home.

According to him, many Nigerians in South Africa struggle to survive under difficult conditions, with some losing their lives while others are forced to abandon their dreams and return home empty-handed. He suggested that the reality faced by many migrants differs significantly from the expectations they had before relocating.

Princewill’s comments come amid renewed conversations about the welfare of Nigerians living overseas and the challenges associated with irregular migration, xenophobia, and economic hardship. South Africa has witnessed several incidents over the years involving attacks on foreign nationals, including Nigerians, prompting diplomatic engagements between both countries…....