AFCON 2025 Fallout: Broos Urges South Africa To Follow Nigeria’s Footsteps

AFCON 2025 Fallout: Broos Urges South Africa To Follow Nigeria’s Footsteps

Sampson Adedeji

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has called on South Africa to adopt a model similar to Nigeria’s in order to compete more effectively at the highest level of African football following their AFCON 2025 campaign, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Broos admitted that South Africa began the tournament at a disadvantage, pointing to the composition of their squad compared to several rival nations. 

According to the Belgian tactician, countries like Nigeria benefit significantly from having the bulk of their players based in Europe, where they are exposed to higher levels of intensity and competition on a weekly basis.

The South African coach stressed that this exposure plays a critical role in preparing players for the demands of major tournaments such as the Africa Cup of Nations, both physically and mentally.

Broos argued that for Bafana Bafana to consistently challenge Africa’s elite, there must be a deliberate effort to create more pathways for locally based players to move to European leagues. 

He believes such opportunities would help South African players gain valuable experience, improve their sharpness, and develop a stronger competitive edge.

 Super Eagles, whose squad is largely Europe-based, were cited as a clear example of how regular involvement in top leagues can translate into stronger performances on the continental stage, a blueprint Broos wants South Africa to emulate going forward.