Former Nigerian international Etim Esin has raised serious concerns about the Super Eagles’ persistent lack of a true creative midfielder, stating that the presence of Ademola Lookman is insufficient to solve the team’s long-standing playmaking problems. Speaking candidly on the Play Zone Podcast, the ex-footballer argued that the national squad is still missing a classic number 10 in the mould of past legends, highlighting a significant gap in the team’s tactical setup. He emphasised that while Lookman has excelled at club level, he has not yet fully translated that creative influence to the national stage, leaving a void in the midfield.
Etim Esin, who once starred for Iwuanyanwu Nationale, was clear in his assessment of the current Super Eagles setup. “I think we are still looking for that creative talented midfield player,” Esin said during the podcast interview. He acknowledged Lookman’s abilities but noted a distinct difference in his roles, adding, “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.” This pointed observation underscores a recurring debate among fans and pundits regarding the team’s attacking architecture.
The former midfielder elaborated on the unique role of a traditional playmaker, describing such a player as the essential “architect and magician” of any successful team. According to Esin, this figure dictates the tempo of the game, creates clear scoring chances, and possesses the ability to intimidate opposing defences simply by being on the ball. He explained that this quality grants the entire squad a higher level of confidence during matches, a psychological edge he feels is currently absent.
Drawing from Nigeria’s rich football history, Esin pointed to iconic figures like Henry Nwosu and Jay-Jay Okocha as the definitive benchmarks for the creative midfield role he advocates for. He recalled the palpable fear such players instilled in opponents, stating, “Number ten like me, Henry Nwosu, Jay-Jay Okocha, if we are with the ball the opponent will be intimidated.” This ability to attract multiple markers, he argued, is crucial as it creates valuable space for other attackers to exploit, a strategic element he finds missing in the contemporary Super Eagles lineup.
Despite his critique of the midfield creativity, Etim Esin’s comments did not overlook Ademola Lookman’s contributions to the national team. Lookman has indeed become an influential figure since his debut in March 2022, amassing 11 goals and 10 assists in 43 appearances for Nigeria. However, Esin’s argument centres on the distinction between a winger who scores and assists and a central playmaker who orchestrates the entire offensive phase of play, controls the game’s rhythm, and consistently unlocks stubborn defences.
The call from a respected former star like Etim Esin is likely to amplify ongoing discussions about the tactical direction of the Super Eagles as they prepare for future qualifying campaigns and tournaments. His comments reflect a broader yearning among many Nigerian football enthusiasts to see a return of the inventive, midfield maestro who can single-handedly change the course of a game. As the team continues to evolve, the search for that definitive creative force in the heart of the pitch remains one of the most pressing tasks for the national team’s coaches and selectors.
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