1994 Africa Cup of Nations-winning midfielder Austin Okocha has talked about the upcoming meeting between Nigeria and South Africa in Cairo and highlighted the qualities of two Bafana Bafana stars the Super Eagles must pay close attention to.

The former PSG star is wary of the threat Orlando Pirates winger Thembinkosi Lorch and Brighton & Hove striker Percy Tau present.

Tau had a hand in two of the three goals South Africa scored against the Super Eagles during the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers while Lorch was the hero for Stuart Baxter's side in their shock win against hosts Egypt in the round of 16.

''Of course you have to respect the opponent’s key players, especially if they are having a good tournament. It’s obvious that in the Bafana Bafana squad the threat was just [Percy] Tau, until Lorch was introduced,'' Okocha was quoted as saying by Kick Off

''It’s like they are sharing the responsibilities going forward now. These are two players that could cause problems for any team and I’m sure we [Nigeria] are aware of that.

''But for me it’s also about being consistent. You might be a threat today, but if you are not a threat in the next game, then it does not add value to the team because to go all the way you need to be the most consistent, especially during the knockouts.

''We are aware of his threat. He is a player that I like, I like exciting players. But for me it’s all about the team.''

Three-time Africa champions Nigeria are favourites to progress to the last four and could face one of Algeria or Ivory Coast in the semifinal.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : cafonline.com