Head coach Hugo Broos has warned that Nigeria’s tag of being ‘favorites’ will not discourage his Bafana side as the two nations prepare to lock horns in the semi-final of the AFCON.
Nigeria and South Africa go head-to-head on Wednesday (7 February) at Stade Bouaké in Bouaké, Ivory Coast.
This will be the fourth encounter between Nigeria and South Africa at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, with the Super Eagles winning the previous three by an aggregate score of 8-1.
Hugo Broos insists he feels no pressure and believes his side will play their best against the Super Eagles of Nigeria and beat them.
Wednesday’s game against the Bafana Bafana is a repeat of the semifinal in 2000 when Nigeria won 2-0 in Lagos.
“I have to say that we are very happy and motivated that tomorrow we play in the semi-final of AFCON. I think for many people it was unexpected but we did it and that means that South Africa became a good team,” Broos said.
“It’s also more than 20 years ago that South Africa played in a semi-final. Even more than we played in a final. So that means that we have a lot of motivation. The semi-final we have it always but also we want to have the final on Sunday.
“Tomorrow we play against a very good team, number six in the Africa ranking, so that means a lot. Most players play abroad.
“It’s a little bit the same situation with Morocco, a very good team with players that play I Europe with big teams. So, you can compare it. I think for many people Nigeria tomorrow will be the favourites to win that game but as you know in football, it’s not always the favourites that win.
“We are confident and motivated to try and make sure that doesn’t happen and that South Africa after more than 20 years, is in the final.
