Nigeria vs South Africa: Hugo Broos Downplays Super Eagles’ Threat Ahead of FIFA Qualifier

• The Super Eagles of Nigeria and South Africa will lock horns in the upcoming FIFA qualification series on June 7
• The crunch fixture is poised to impact the trajectory of both teams' chase for a spot at the 2026 World Cup in the Americas
• Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos, has downplayed the threats posed by the Nigerian team, alongside others in the group

The lead-up to the crunch 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification fixture between Nigeria and South Africa continues to get even more intriguing, with Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos, downplaying the threat posed by the Super Eagles and the other teams in their group.

The make-or-break clash between both African football powerhouses is finely poised to significantly influence both teams' paths in the qualification series.

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However, the veteran manager appears to have an undying trust in his team's abilities and stressed his belief in his side to hold their own against the trickiest opposition.

Broos downplays Nigeria's threat

Speaking to the press as captured by OwnGoalNigeria, the septuagenarian highlighted the progress and qualities of his South African team since he took over as manager.

"We have made significant progress in the last two years, and the results are evident. Now, we want more. As sportsmen, we always strive for more, and our goal is to reach the World Cup."

Discussing the teams Bafana Bafana has been grouped with, the former Cameroon coach continued:

"It will not be easy. While the group may not appear strong, it is definitely tricky with teams like Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and, of course, Nigeria. These are all neighbouring countries to South Africa, making every match challenging.

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However, we have confidence and believe in ourselves, especially after our performance at the AFCON. Over the next year, we'll see where we stand, but our mission is certainly to qualify for the World Cup."

According to data from FotMob, South Africa will face Nigeria in Uyo on June 7, before hosting regional neighbours, Zimbabwe, on June 11.

Finidi to retain Peseiro’s AFCON tactics

Sports Brief in another report stated Nigeria’s coach, Finidi George, will retain Jose Peseiro’s tactics at the AFCON for the clash against South Africa.

So far, the Super Eagles coach has been training with the 3-5-2 that the Nigerian team will use at the showpiece in Ivory Coast.