By Michael Madyira
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos says he is satisfied with a point collected in the 1-1 draw with Nigeria despite surrendering a slim lead in the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier.
South Africa looked on course to collect maximum points against the Super Eagles when Themba Zwane thrust them ahead at Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Friday.
But the hosts pulled back and made it one apiece through Dele Bashiru’s goal early into the second half.
It was result which saw Bafana drop from second position to fourth.
But Broos is not concerned about dropping two points as he hails his charges for a brave show before an intimidating crowd in Uyo.
“Normally when you see the draw of the group then you know that Nigeria will be your biggest opponent,” said Broos as per Safa media.
“So when you come here, you hope to have one point at minimum. Not to lose was important for us today. The pressure was on Nigeria. They have played three draws with two home games.”
“In qualifiers, that’s not really good, you need to win your home games first and see if you can take some points or a victory outside. For us, we are very happy with a point.”
While Broos is satisfied with a point, Nigeria coach Finidi George was furious about dropping two points at home.
“I am not happy about the point,” George told the media.
“We know that everybody is a coach today. It’s true everybody is a coach, people can see when they are up there [in the stands].”
“The fans and media would shout for different players, if they don’t perform well, the shout will be, ‘take him off’. Allow us to do our jobs.”
Up next for Bafana is Tuesday’s clash with Zimbabwe while Nigeria take on Rwanda.
Image source: Bafana Bafana lining up against Nigeria
Image source: Safa
