Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has urged South Africa to adopt a development model similar to Nigeria’s in order to compete more effectively at the highest level of African football following their AFCON 2025 campaign.

 

The Belgian tactician admitted that South Africa entered the tournament at a disadvantage, particularly when compared with some of the continent’s heavyweights. According to Broos, the composition of the Bafana Bafana squad fell short when measured against teams with a strong European-based core.

 

Broos pointed to Nigeria as a prime example, noting that the Super Eagles benefit from having the majority of their players active in Europe’s top leagues, where they are exposed to higher intensity, superior tactical demands, and consistent high-level competition.

 

“Nations like Nigeria enjoy a major advantage because their players are competing week in, week out at the highest level in Europe,” Broos said. “That kind of exposure prepares players better, both physically and mentally, for tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations.”

 

The South African coach stressed that regular involvement in top European leagues sharpens players’ decision-making, improves their fitness levels, and builds the mental toughness required to perform under pressure on the continental stage.

 

Broos argued that for Bafana Bafana to consistently challenge Africa’s elite teams, there must be a deliberate and structured effort to create more pathways for locally based players to move abroad, particularly to Europe.

 

He believes such opportunities would allow South African players to gain invaluable experience, enhance their competitive edge, and raise the overall standard of the national team.

 

Citing the Super Eagles as a clear blueprint, Broos noted that Nigeria’s success on the continental stage is closely linked to the quality and experience their Europe-based players bring into the national team setup — a model he wants South Africa to emulate going forward.