'Big teams in Europe' – Bafana Bafana coach Broos highlights quality of Super Eagles players

Speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of South Africa's 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Nigeria, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos highlighted the strength of the Super Eagles squad, pointing to the number of players representing top European clubs.

Despite the absence of star striker Victor Osimhen, Nigeria boss Eric Chelle has named 12 players on the books of clubs in Europe's top five leagues in his travelling squad to Bloemfontein. 

The list includes Ola Aina, Chidozie Awaziem, Calvin Bassey, Felix Agu, Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Alex Iwobi, Christantus Uche, Ademola Lookman, Tolu Arokodare, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon.

South Africa's qualification for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday hinges on an upset against Nigeria, provided Benin fail to defeat Lesotho in Abidjan, pending Fifa's ruling over the ineligibility of Teboho Mokoena, who was fielded against the Crocodiles despite accumulation of yellow cards. 

In theory, a win in Bloemfontein could lift the Super Eagles level on points with Bafana Bafana, who are facing a possible three-point deduction.

"It’s a big opportunity we have tomorrow. We all know if we win the game, we are qualified. It’s not mathematically certain, but it would be a miracle if we shouldn’t qualify, so we all know that," Broos told reporters.

"It’s a big opportunity to win the game tomorrow, but again we are playing against a very good opponent. 

"It’s not because they are six points behind us that you have to think Nigeria is not a good team.

"When you see their players, they all play abroad in big teams in Europe, so that means there is quality. But we don’t have fear going into tomorrow’s game."

South Africa have failed to beat Nigeria in an away competitive match for over three decades, dating back to 1992.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com