Broos believes Nigeria’s support will propel us to group success
Bafana Bafana’s head coach, Hugo Broos, expresses optimism that the renewed focus of Nigeria’s Super Eagles will significantly benefit South Africa’s quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Bafana Bafana has taken the lead in Group C with 10 points after their victory over Lesotho at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday evening.
The champions of the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations now enjoy a two-point lead over second-placed Benin, who played to a draw against Zimbabwe on Thursday. Rwanda, trailing three points behind Bafana, suffered a defeat against Nigeria on Friday.
This win marked Nigeria’s first success in the group, ending a streak of four winless matches that included a draw against Bafana Bafana at home.
“A few days ago, I mentioned that there is a team or country in the group that will be very beneficial for us, and that’s Nigeria,” stated Broos.
“We noticed they beat Rwanda on Friday. They can’t afford to lose any points from now on, so they will do everything in their power to win against every opponent.
“Right now, we have a four-point buffer over Nigeria, so it’s critical for us to fulfill our obligations. We will do our part, and Nigeria will help us, you’ll see.
“The situation is currently favorable, and it’s our duty to keep it that way. I hope we won’t make any careless mistakes on Tuesday in Ivory Coast.”
Support for Bafana Bafana has been strong, with fans regularly filling the stands since last year, including a full turnout in Polokwane for the match against Lesotho.
Broos attributes this backing to the renewed confidence in the national team, which claimed a bronze medal at last year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast—marking their first podium finish in 24 years.
“At the beginning, it was understandable because of Covid, and after Covid, the fans didn’t return,” the former Cameroonian coach remarked.
“I always stressed that we needed them in the stadiums. Playing in front of an empty crowd is terrible—seeing a vacant stadium when you leave the dressing room is demoralizing.
“When we emerged from the dressing room, the atmosphere was vibrant, and that infuses us with energy. It’s crucial for those supporters to be in the stadium; in Polokwane, they were there, in Cape Town, they turned out, and in Bloemfontein, they showed their support.
“I feel people are now finding their way back to the stadium to see Bafana Bafana play. The team is winning, and the fans are happy because it’s evident the players are giving their all.
“That’s why the crowd is returning. Thanks to the success at AFCON, I believe that was the turning point that reawakened South Africans’ belief in the team.”
Bafana Bafana’s next match is against Benin at a neutral location in Ivory Coast, where Broos aims to solidify their lead in the group.