Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey praised teammate Ademola Lookman for his well-rounded performance ahead of their AFCON semifinal encounter against South Africa.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face Bafana Bafana in an entertaining match on Wednesday.
Lookman, 26, has topped Nigeria’s goal tally in the 34th AFCON, scoring three goals in five Super Eagles games.
But Lookman’s teammate Bassey has made it clear that he has differentiated himself beyond goals by his work ethic, defensive contributions, and tracking back abilities.
Speaking to The Athletic, the 24-year-old described Lookman as “sharp” and “tricky” while labeling him as the Super Eagles’ “star boy” at the AFCON 2023.
The Fulham defender noted that Lookman’s intensity in training, with particular focus on the winger’s all-around game, work ethic and emergence as Nigeria’s current star performer.
“Mola’s sharp, man,” Bassey stated. “He is the star boy. He is a baller, but take away his goals and look at the work rate. He tracks back, same as all of our attackers, and that’s the foundation which sets him apart from other players on different teams.
The defender, who has been likened to Italian great, Paolo Maldini, by Nigerians, also said that the Atalanta star keeps the Super Eagles squad sharp with his tricks and finishing ability.
“I’ve been lucky we’ve been on the same team (in training).” he added. “He’s hard, he is tricky. He is not going to let you go easy. It’s a good challenge. It keeps me and all of us on our toes.”
Lookman’s impact on both ends of the pitch has made him a key player in Nigeria’s AFCON success.
