Nigeria vs South Africa: Hugo Broos Takes Subtle Jibe at Super Eagles Following FIFA Qualifier Draw

Nigeria vs South Africa: Hugo Broos Takes Subtle Jibe at Super Eagles Following FIFA Qualifier Draw

Ero Samson
updated at June 8, 2024 at 3:11 PM
In this article:
Nigeria logo
Nigeria
Nigeria
21
South Africa logo
South Africa
South Africa
27
Super Eagles logo
Super Eagles
South Africa
FIFA World Cup logo
FIFA World Cup
International
Benin logo
Benin
Benin
54
Zimbabwe logo
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
23
  • The Super Eagles of Nigeria played out a one-all draw against South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier
  • The stalemate meant the Nigerian team slipped to fifth on their group C standings behind South Africa and Benin
  • Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos, has aimed a subtle dig at the Nigerian team following the conclusion of the fixture.

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The Super Eagles of Nigeria commenced Finidi George's reign as manager with an underwhelming draw against South Africa's Bafana.

The crunch qualification fixture, which could largely impact the West African nation's trajectory to seal a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saw the Nigerian team fight back to earn only a draw on the night.

Hugo Broos, South Africa, Nigeria, Super Eagles, CAF, AFCON, FIFA World Cup
Hugo Broos looks on during the Africa Cup of Nations 3rd place match between South Africa and DR Congo at Stade Felix Houphouet Boigny on February 10. Image: Ulrik Pedersen.
Source: Getty Images

However, in the aftermath of the fixture, the coach of the South African team, Hugo Broos, appeared to take a swipe at his Nigerian counterpart while praising the immense work of his players.

Hugo Broos takes a swipe at Nigeria

In his post-match conference, as reported by AllNigeriaSoccer, the septuagenarian coach expressed his delight with his team's performance.

Broos highlighted that the Super Eagles were expected to be their toughest opponents but have made a sluggish start to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, drawing all three of their matches, including two at home.

"Normally, when you see the draw of the group, you know that Nigeria will be your biggest opponent to be first in the group. So, when you come here, you hope to have at least one point," Broos stated.

Aiming what appeared to be a slight jibe at the Super Eagles, he continued:

"It was very important today not to lose that game, and I also said that the pressure was on Nigeria. Nigeria has now played three draws, including two home games."

The draw against South Africa means the Nigerian team are now without a victory in their last three competitive matches, according to data from Fotmob.

However, the Super Eagles can salvage what is fast becoming a calamitous campaign with a victory against the Benin Republic. South Africa, on the other hand, will host Zimbabwe on June 10.

Key takeaways from Nigeria’s clash against South Africa

Sports Brief highlighted key takeaways from Nigeria's World Cup clash against South Africa in another report.

The Super Eagles managed to secure a draw after trailing in the first half to a goal from Themba Zwane.

Authors
Ero Samson photo
Ero Samson
Samson Ero is a sports journalist with a track record of over five years in the Nigerian media industry. He graduated from Nigerian Institute of Journalism (2021-2023).