South Africa coach Broos backs Nigeria to bounce back

Bafana Bafana head coach, Hugo Broos, has expressed surprise at Nigeria’s slow start in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, acknowledging that the Super Eagles’ struggles are unexpected given their talent.

Currently sitting fifth in Group C with just three points from four matches, Nigeria has yet to win a game in the qualifiers. Broos noted that their winless run comprising only draws and a loss does not reflect the quality of the squad.

First of all, I don’t know what happens in Nigeria. For me, it’s a surprise that they’re already four points behind us. They play only draws, I think, and lost also.

Despite their poor form, the Belgian tactician remains confident that Nigeria has the strength to recover when the qualifiers resume in March.

So this is not Nigeria. The quality is too much there to be where they are now. So they will come back. They will come back but they are four points behind us. So they have to win twice more than us to pass over us.

However, Broos also emphasized that South Africa is not solely focused on Nigeria as their main threat, pointing out that all teams in the group including Lesotho, Benin, Rwanda, and Mozambique—remain in contention.

With crucial matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe ahead, Nigeria’s qualification hopes hang in the balance. The Super Eagles will need to turn their fortunes around quickly to keep their World Cup dream alive.

Editorial

Hugo Broos’ comments highlight the alarming reality that Nigeria is currently facing in their World Cup qualifying campaign. The Super Eagles have underperformed, and while their squad boasts immense quality, results have not reflected that. With only three points from four games, they are already playing catch-up in the group, and every match moving forward will be a must-win scenario.

The lack of wins raises several questions. Is it a tactical issue? A lack of cohesion? Poor finishing? Whatever the root cause, the team must find solutions fast. Nigeria cannot afford another disappointing qualification campaign, especially considering the talent pool available.

Broos’ belief that the Super Eagles will bounce back is a sentiment shared by many, but belief alone won’t be enough. Nigeria must show their character on the pitch and prove why they are considered one of Africa’s footballing powerhouses.

With March’s international window looming, the focus must be on improving team chemistry, tactical discipline, and finishing ability. The upcoming games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe will be crucial. If Nigeria fails to secure maximum points, their World Cup hopes could fade before the final rounds of qualification.

The Super Eagles have the talent—now it’s time to show the determination and execution needed to turn things around.

Did You Know?

1. Nigeria has qualified for six out of the last eight FIFA World Cups, missing only the 2006 and 2022 editions.
2. The Super Eagles were the first African team to reach the FIFA World Cup knockout stages in back-to-back tournaments 1994 & 1998.
3. Hugo Broos led Cameroon to victory in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations before taking over as South Africa’s head coach.
4. Nigeria’s last World Cup qualifying campaign ended in disappointment after losing out to Ghana on away goals in 2022.
5. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams, increasing Africa’s qualification slots from 5 to 9.