'Bafana Bafana Were Better Than Nigeria at AFCON' Says South Africa Coach Hugo Broos

• Nigeria and South Africa will renew their rivalry on Friday, June 7, in a highly-anticipated 2026 World Cup qualifier clash
• South Africa boss, Hugo Broos, said the game against the West Africans will be difficult, but Bafana Bafana can beat them
• The Belgian added that his team was better when the two sides met in the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations

The build-up to the Nigeria versus South Africa showdown has been intriguing. Both teams are optimistic about their chances of winning in Uyo on Friday, June 7.

South Africa coach, Hugo Broos, has said Bafana Bafana were the better team when they played the Super Eagles in the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

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The semi-final between these two former AFCON champions ended 1-1 in normal time. William Troost-Ekong scored for Jose Peseiro's side in the first half before Teboho Mokoena's late penalty sent the game to extra time.

Both teams could not be separated after extra time and it had to be decided via penalties. Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, was Nigeria's hero that night.

The Chippa United keeper went on to save penalties from Mokoena and Evidence Makgopa to send the West Africans to their first final in a decade.

Despite their loss to Nigeria, Bafana Bafana had a brilliant tournament. They defeated the Democratic Republic of Congo to finish third at the continental showpiece.

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles were upset in the final by hosts, Ivory Coast, who came back from a goal down to lift the trophy in front of their fans.

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Broos on Nigeria vs South Africa clash

Speaking ahead of Friday's encounter, Broos acknowledged that their two upcoming games against Nigeria and Zimbabwe would be difficult.

"Let’s go to Nigeria and Zimbabwe, qualify for World Cup - everybody knows that every one of us wants to qualify for the FIFA World Cup in 2026 but we are in front of two very tough games," he said via Far Post.

Nevertheless, the Belgian said his team is formidable, as they showed at the 2023 AFCON. He went a step further to claim they would've been in the final if a few things had gone their way.

"On the other side, we saw what we can do against them at AFCON. If we had a little bit of luck against them, we would be in the final and not Nigeria... I think we were the best team in the semi-finals, we could have won that. So, we don’t have to be afraid."

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On Friday, both teams will be aiming for the three points to take control of Group C. Rwanda leads the group, while South Africa is second and Nigeria third, respectively.

Broos' plans for South Africa vs Nigeria

Sports Brief also previously reported on South Africa coach, Broos, sharing Bafana Bafana's game plan for their World Cup qualifier tie against Nigeria.

The Belgian tactician said they want to surprise the West African giants, but with Finidi George, he expects a different approach from the opponents.