South Africa’s Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has praised his team for their strong physical performance in the 1-1 home draw against Nigeria’s Super Eagles during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Speaking after the match at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on September 8, 2025, Broos highlighted how South Africa successfully matched Nigeria’s physicality and intensity throughout the game.
Broos expressed satisfaction with his squad’s resilience and competitive spirit against a talented Nigerian side, acknowledging that both teams exhibited tough, physical play. He noted that the draw keeps South Africa in a strong position in Group C as they edge closer to securing qualification.
The coach warned that their upcoming matches require the same level of commitment and physicality to maintain an advantage in the qualification race. He commended players for staying focused despite the pressure, emphasizing the importance of unity and discipline.
The match saw Nigeria’s captain William Troost-Ekong score an own goal giving South Africa the lead, but Nigeria fought back with Calvin Bassey’s equalizer before halftime. The draw leaves South Africa six points clear at the top of the group, while Nigeria faces an uphill task to qualify.
Broos’s comments underline Bafana Bafana’s confidence as they near a historic qualification for the World Cup, boosted by strong performances and tactical discipline.
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