South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has singled out Ademola Lookman as a major threat ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash against Nigeria on Wednesday, describing the 26-year-old as ‘very good’
The Super Eagles beat Angola 1-0 in the quarterfinals courtesy of a goal from Lookman, who plays club football for Leicester City in the Premier League. His strike set up a last four meeting with South Africa, who defeated Cape Verde on penalties.
Speaking after his side’s dramatic shootout victory, Broos admitted Lookman’s quality has caught his eye in Nigeria’s run to the semis.
“Nigeria is a team who became better and better every game so when I saw them playing, it’s again a very good team with a very good striker,” Broos told reporters.
“There are also a few good players like the one who scored the goal, Lookman, a very good player, so we have to analyze a little bit more now because we didn’t at the time.”
Broos also highlighted the threat posed by Nigerian talisman Victor Osimhen, but reserved special praise for Lookman.
The 24-year-old London-born forward has excelled at club level over the past 18 months, helping fire Leicester to FA Cup glory last season after a transfer from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.
His goalscoring form has translated to the national team, with Lookman emerging as a key player as Nigeria aim to capture a fourth AFCON title.
Wednesday’s match comes as another semi-final clash between the nations after the AFCON 2000 when Nigeria defeated South Africa 2-0.
They will start as strong favorites against South Africa, who are bidding to reach the final for the first time since winning the tournament in 1996.
Broos knows that silencing Lookman will be key if his side are to continue their fairytale run in Ivory Coast.
