Former Nigeria international, Etim Esin, has expressed concerns over the Super Eagles’ midfield, saying the team still lacks a truly creative playmaker like the late Henry Nwosu, Austin Okocha, and himself.
Speaking on the Play Zone Podcast, Esin identified Ademola Lookman as the closest option in terms of creativity but noted that the winger has yet to showcase it consistently for Nigeria.
“I think we are still looking for that creative talented midfield player. Lookman comes into that but not really for Nigeria.
“For his club, he does that very well but when it comes to Nigeria, I think we still need that creativity in the middle of the park.”
Esin highlighted the critical role of a creative midfielder in any team, describing them as the squad’s “architect and magician.”
“He makes things happen. Even if he does not score, he can lay an assist and make things happen in the game. If you have that in your squad, you will have the confidence.
“Number ten like me, Henry {Nwosu}, Jay-Jay (Okocha), if we are with the ball the opponent will be intimidated.
“You have to intimidate the opponent and let them know you have this kind of player that can drag two or three players and create space and lay a pass for someone. I think we still need that in our national team which we don’t really have,” he said.
