Broos hails Bafana’s fighting spirit after Nigeria stalemate

BAFANA Bafana coach Hugo Broos has praised his side’s grit and resilience following their hard-fought draw against Nigeria at the Free State Stadium, insisting it was not about flair but about fighting for every inch on the pitch.

- SMISO MSOMI

The Belgian tactician was glowing in his assessment after seeing his side frustrate the Super Eagles, who arrived with a squad packed with big names but were unable to outplay South Africa’s determined unit.

“The best team will win the game and not the team with the best players and I think the proof is there,” Broos said.

"So, the performance that my team put up (Tuesday) made me enormously proud. It was not good football but the way they fought for every metre and every ball. This is nice to see for a coach, especially in a game you know it’s required to have any chance of a result.”

Nigeria had lamented the absence of striker Victor Osimhen, but Broos quickly reminded critics that his own side were also without several firstchoice players.

“T heard they (Nigeria) were complaining that Osimhen was not there. In South Africa, six players were not there,” he explained.

“I think when you see the team of Nigeria, you have so many more opportunities with their players.”