South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has commended his players for their outstanding performance against Nigeria’s Super Eagles, despite facing significant travel challenges before the match. The Bafana Bafana spent over 18 hours in transit, arriving in Uyo on Thursday for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Friday night.
Initially scheduled to arrive on Wednesday, the team faced delays departing from South Africa, and upon completing Customs Service clearance in Port Harcourt, found the Uyo airport closed. They spent the night in Port Harcourt and continued to Uyo the following day.
Despite the grueling journey, South Africa managed to hold the Super Eagles to a 1-1 draw. Thembo Zwane scored first for South Africa in the 29th minute, while Nigeria’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru equalized in the second half. Broos praised his players’ mentality and resilience in handling the star-studded Nigerian team under challenging circumstances.
“We had a terrible travel to Nigeria on Wednesday,” Broos told reporters. “We were only in bed at two o’clock on Thursday morning. So we were 20 hours on the way. And when you see the mentality in the team today, then I can only be proud of my players.”
South Africa, currently 4th in Group C, will next face Zimbabwe at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on June 11.