Samson Siasia, former head coach of the Nigeria Super Eagles, have expressed concern of the team lacking a creative midfielder.
Samson Siasia, stated that the Super Eagles need a playmaker in like former captain Austine Jay Jay Okocha to reach their full potential on the world stage.
Nigeria has struggled to find a suitable replacement for the midfield, since his retirement from international football in 2006, while John Mikel Obi was expected to step into this role, he ultimately fell short of meeting the lofty expectations.
The number 10 role has been filled by Alex Iwobi, the talented Fulham star. However, Siasia believes that Iwobi does not possess the necessary qualities to excel in this position, stating that he is not sufficiently effective as an offensive playmaker.
Siasia emphasized the need for an offensive midfielder who can provide the crucial final pass to the strikers, highlighting the team’s strong attacking options.
While acknowledging the team’s strength in defense and on the flanks, Siasia stressed the pivotal role of a player with the creative prowess of Jay Jay Okocha, stressing the importance of finding a midfielder who not only shares Okocha’s vision and creativity but can also contribute with goal-scoring ability.
“We don’t have an offensive midfield player that can give the last pass to the strikers. We have great strikers, but we need someone that is missing,” Siasia told Lagos Talks.
“Iwobi can not 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 center of the field who can give the last passes and score goals.
“In the defense 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.”
