‘We still need it’ – Ex-Nigeria star reveals the one missing link in Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles

Super Eagles’ search for a true creative heartbeat in midfield has come back into focus, with former international Etim Esin warning that the current national team still lacks a classic playmaker, Afrik-Foot reports.

The ex-midfielder believes that, despite improvements under head coach Eric Chelle, the team remains without a natural ‘number 10’ in the mould of past greats such as Henry Nwosu and Austin Jay-Jay Okocha.

While having a chat on the Play Zone Podcast, Esin pointed to Ademola Lookman as a player who has brought flair and attacking quality, but not the complete creative solution Nigeria needs in the middle of the pitch.

“I think we are still looking for that creative talented midfield player,” Etim said. “Lookman comes into that but 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.”

Under Chelle, Nigeria have often set up in systems like a 4-3-1-2 or a diamond midfield, formations that depend heavily on a central creator to link play between midfield and attack. In this role, Alex Iwobi has taken on much of the responsibility and has delivered several strong performances.

Iwobi has been trusted to operate behind the strikers, progressing the ball and supplying chances, while players such as Wilfred Ndidi and Raphael Onyedika provide defensive balance. Further forward, the system is built to serve a striker like Victor Osimhen.

Even so, Esin insists that what Nigeria currently has is not enough.

The missing ‘magician’ in Super Eagles midfield

For Esin, the issue is not effort or talent, but the absence of a specific type of player; one who can control games, unlock defences, and command attention from opponents.

“He is the architect and magician in the squad,” he added. “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.”

Nigeria have tried different options in recent months. Players such as Fisayo Dele-Bashiru have offered energy and goal threat, while younger talents like Ebenezer Akinsanmiro and Christantus Uche are being nurtured to add freshness and flexibility.

Lookman, meanwhile, has become one of Nigeria’s most productive attackers since his debut, contributing goals and assists while drifting in from wide areas or playing close to the striker. Yet, as Esin points out, that role is different from being a true central playmaker.

“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.”

With the qualifiers for the next Africa Cup of Nations approaching in September, the focus of Chelle and his coaching staff will be to find a lasting solution. Nigeria have attacking firepower and midfield industry, but without a consistent creative hub, their play can still lack rhythm and cutting edge in tight matches.

If the Super Eagles are to compete strongly on the continent again, solving this long-standing midfield puzzle may prove just as important as the goals scored at the other end.

Nigeria have not lifted the AFCON trophy since 2013, claiming silver and bronze medals at the 2023 and 2025 editions of the tournament, respectively.