Former Nigerian player and coach Samson Siasia has highlighted the key issue missing from the current Super Eagles squad; a creative midfielder who can unlock defenses consistently.
Siasia, who represented Nigeria between 1991 and 1998, earned 45 caps and netted 13 goals for the national team.
Despite the undeniable strength and firepower in Nigeria’s attack, he believes the midfield lacks a playmaker capable of delivering that crucial final pass to the strikers.
“We don’t have an offensive midfield player that can give the last pass to the strikers,” Siasia told radio station Lagos Talks. “We have great strikers, but we need someone that is missing.”
The current midfielders are decent like Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru Franka Onyeka and others.
Iwobi Not the Answer
Siasia also addressed the role of Alex Iwobi, who has often been deployed in various midfield positions for the Super Eagles. While acknowledging Iwobi’s talent, Siasia stressed that the Fulham midfielder is not the solution.
“(Alex) Iwobi cannot play that position. “He’s a good player, but he’s not doing as much as he’s supposed to as an offensive player.
We have to look for that person in the centre of the field, who can give the last passes and score goals.
Siasia further emphasized that while the Super Eagles are solid in defense and on the wings, the absence of a creative force in midfield is limiting the team’s potential.
“In the defence and other parts, right and left midfield, we are good. We need someone like Jay-Jay Okocha, but it has to be somebody that can score more than him.” Siasia concluded.
