South Africa coach Hugo Broos has said Wednesday’s AFCON semifinal against the Super Eagles of Nigeria will take on an added significance because both teams will again clash in June in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
“This semifinal is special because in the next few months we will meet again in a World Cup qualifier, so it is a big test,” said the Belgian coach, who guided Cameroon to a fifth AFCON title seven years ago.
In June, the Super Eagles will welcome Bafana Bafana to Uyo in continuation of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
South Africa are second in the qualifying group with three points, while Nigeria have two points from as many matches.
Rwanda lead the standings on four points with the overall group winners automatically advancing to the 2026 World Cup to be hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico.
This is also the first semifinal in 24 years for 1996 AFCON champions South Africa.
Broos also spoke highly of the quality of the Super Eagles with a special mention for Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, who is the team’s leading scorer with three goals all in the knockout rounds of the competition.
He also has an assist from the opening day equalizer against Equatorial Guinea.
“Yes, they have very good players, like the player who scored the goal (vs Angola, Ademola Lookman,” he remarked.
“We will analyse them.”
