Hugo Broos says there is no reason for Bafana to fear Nigeria ahead of their World Cup qualifier in Uyo on Friday.
South Africa takes on the Super Eagles in the first of two qualifying games for the 2026 World Cup that takes place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
After facing Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Bafana then host neighbours Zimbabwe at the Free State Stadium on Tuesday.
Broos’ side last faced their West African counterparts in the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations where the Super Eagles emerged as penalty shootout winners after the game had ended 1-1 after extra-time.
Ahead of their upcoming encounter, Broos is confident of a result.
He said in the Sowetan: “Nigeria were finalists at the AFCON and they have players who are playing in the best competitions in Europe, but we saw what we can do against them at AFCON.
“If we had a little bit of luck, we would have beaten them and went to the final. I think we were the best team in the semi-finals, so we don’t need to be afraid of Nigeria.”
Broos added that he expects Nigeria to be wary of South Africa and not the other way around.
“We know all about them, but they also know all about us. I think they will not start the game with the same mentality they had at AFCON because they know how strong we are,” the coach explained.
Bafana is currently second in Group C on three points, one behind leaders Rwanda.