“They Are All Foreign-Based” – South Africa Coach Hugo Broos Stirs Controversy, Says No Nigerian in Super Eagles After FIFA WCQ

South Africa’s head coach, Hugo Broos, has sparked heated debate after claiming that the Super Eagles have no true Nigerians in their squad following the recent FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Broos made the remarks in the aftermath of Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against South Africa in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying encounter, where the Bafana Bafana proved difficult for the Super Eagles to break down in a must-win clash.

In a video shared on Instagram by Nigerian journalist Cali, Broos dismissed the Super Eagles as a team made up entirely of foreign-based players rather than homegrown talent.

“Yeah, you know, when you see the team of Nigeria, there is no Nigerian in the team, they all play abroad,” Broos said. “They all play in big teams like Atalanta, Milan, Fulham, name it—we don’t have it.”

The Belgian tactician, however, defended his South African side, stressing that the lack of big-name, foreign-based stars is not a disadvantage. “But you see that it is not a disadvantage. We have good players. Really, we have good players,” he noted.

Broos further expressed optimism that South African footballers will soon earn more opportunities to play in Europe, which he believes would strengthen the national team.

“I hope really with what we did now with the national team, and hopefully what we will do in the future, that those players get the occasion to go to Europe because that should help South African football,” he added.

His comments come at a tense time, following Nigeria’s setback in the qualifiers after a costly own goal by captain William Troost-Ekong and a draw that leaves the Super Eagles trailing South Africa by six points with only two matches left.

The remarks have already drawn sharp reactions from Nigerian fans and media, who view them as dismissive and disrespectful to the Super Eagles’ quality and resilience despite recent struggles.

This controversy now adds further intensity to the rivalry ahead of the remaining World Cup qualifying fixtures.