Broos optimistic Bafana can deliver against Nigeria despite 'an awful travel' - NFF faults Safa for team's woes

South Africa were supposed to take six hours using a chartered plane to Nigeria where they are scheduled to play the hosts in Group C of the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier.

However, Bafana Bafana ended up spending 18 hours en route to Uyo where they will play the West African nation at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

The Nigeria Football Federation through their Protocol chief, Emmanuel Ayanbunmi insisted Safa are to blame for what happened.

"The problem has nothing to do with the NFF. As at the time they said they were taking off, it took them a further five hours to actually to depart from South Africa," the official told Naija Times.

"We were not informed. We had informed officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service and other relevant agencies in Lagos to expedite action on the formalities for them.

"It was less than two hours to landing that they contacted us to say that the landing right they got was for Port Harcourt International Airport and not the MMA in Lagos," Ayanbunmi continued.

"We had to quickly get in touch with officials of NMS and other agencies in Port Harcourt and mobilise people to ensure smooth formalities for them.

"Having completed all immigration formalities, they wanted to take off for Uyo but were informed that the Obong Victor Attah Airport only operates from sunrise to sunset, so that was not possible.

"The NFF immediately mobilised resources for them to comfortably spend the night in Port Harcourt," he concluded.

Bafana coach Hugo Broos is unhappy with the situation but has promised a positive result in Uyo on Friday night.

"That’s a pity, we had an awful travel to Nigeria but I feel the motivation is so high in this group that it will not be a problem, they slept in the afternoon and evening, so I think we will be ready," the Belgian said as per the Safa Media Team.

Hosts Nigeria have two points in Group C after two games while South Africa have three from two games as well.

On Thursday, Rwanda, who had accumulated four points, were defeated by Benin - the two nations are now on the same points.

The winner between Bafana Bafana and the Super Eagles will go top of the table.

The Super Eagles and their coach Finidi George - who took over from Jose Peseiro, hope to get their first win in the campaign.

However, Broos will be chasing his second win in the pool and avenging the 2023 Afcon semi-final defeat.