Hugo Broos warns against complacency ahead of gigantic Nigeria clash | OneFootball

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Broos calls for winning mentality against stuttering Nigeria

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Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has cautioned his charges against resting on their laurels as they gear up to lock horns with Nigeria in a crucial encounter.

The two teams will renew their rivalry at the Free State Stadium in a high stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier on Tuesday evening.

With the clash on the horizon, Bafana are in pole position to qualify for the global showpiece as they sit atop group C standings with 16 points picked up after seven games.

However, while his troops retain a healthy point gap at the summit, the 72-year-old Belgian mentor says there is no room for complacency against desperate Nigeria.

“Nigeria were maybe the favorites to win the group after one game played and now, we are in a situation I didn’t really expect from the beginning – six points ahead of Nigeria and five points ahead of Benin and that with three games left to play,” said Broos.

“So, that means we are in a good position, but it’s still not finished, I think it would be a big mistake from our side to think that nothing can happen again. It’s up to us to play a very good game against a very good team, who might be having a last chance [to qualify].

With the Super Eagles having unusually missed out on sealing qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Broos insists pressure lies with their nemesis ahead of the match.

“If Nigeria don’t win, then they are in very big problems. So, the pressure is on them but that doesn’t mean we don’t know it will be a tough game. We will try to win it like we do always every game and if we can, it should be a good result, a fantastic result,” the Bafana boss added.

“But I said already before the game of Lesotho last week, if we have four on six points on the two games, I will be so happy. But that doesn’t mean that we will play for a draw against Nigeria, it’s too dangerous to do that – so, again we will try to win.