Roger Milla says Aboubakar could become one of Africa’s greatest ever players

Former Cameroon star Roger Milla believes current captain Vincent Aboubakar could become one of Africa’s greatest ever players.

Aboubakar, 30, has scored six times at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations, which is the best tally by any player since 1998, when Benni McCarthy of South Africa and Egypt’s Hossam Hassan got seven apiece.

The all-time top goalscorer at a single Nations Cup is Ndaye Mulamba, who struck nine times for eventual champions Zaire, today’s Democratic Republic of the Congo, in 1974.

Aboubakar, who plays club football for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, netted Cameroon’s winner against Egypt in the 2017 final and will lead the Indomitable Lions into Thursday’s semi-final against the Pharaohs.

“Aboubakar could be one of the greatest African footballers,” Milla told BBC Sport Africa.

“Unfortunately, two years ago he suffered a very serious injury which sidelined him for four months.

“I’m very happy for him because he came into Afcon in good form. When he’s playing, it’s as if the whole country wants to make up for lost time and they want him to win.

“I hope he gets a goal against Egypt – and why not in the final?”

Milla also believes the Indomitable Lions will be favourites to go on and lift this year’s Africa Cup of Nations – if they can get past the record seven-time continental champions.

“Egypt is a good footballing nation and they’ve proved that over the years,” the 69-year-old said.

“Cameroon might not have the technique of the Egyptians, but Cameroon has the aggression to win and the power to beat any team.

“I think Cameroon will be motivated, but it’s a difficult Afcon and it’ll be difficult to get past Egypt. I think that if we can get past Egypt, Cameroon will be favourites.”

Milla was part of the Cameroonian teams which won the country’s first two Nations Cup titles in 1984 and 1988, and was top scorer in 1986 when they were beaten on penalties in the final.