Former Nigeria international striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni has voiced a significant concern regarding the tactical setup of the national football team. The ex-Everton forward believes the current Super Eagles squad is imbalanced, carrying an excess of defensive midfielders at the expense of creative playmakers.
A Lack of Creative Balance
Speaking candidly on the popular Home Turf podcast, Aiyegbeni identified this lack of creative balance as the core reason the three-time African champions often fail to control games. He pointed directly to the recent squad selection by head coach Eric Chelle for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Chelle's 28-man list includes eight midfielders, a significant number of whom are recognized more for their defensive work rate and grit than for unlocking opposition defenses with incisive passing.
The Need for a "Proper" Midfielder
"We need a proper midfielder who can pass the ball because we have too many defensive midfielders," Aiyegbeni stated bluntly. He used Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka as examples, noting their tendency for safe, sideways distribution. "They can only pass the ball sideways. We were lucky Ndidi passed one to [Chidera] Ejuke against Gabon," he added, highlighting the rarity of such forward-thinking passes.
Aiyegbeni contrasted the current midfield options with legendary figures from Nigeria's past, lamenting the absence of a midfield "metronome." He specifically mentioned the passing prowess of former captain Sunday Oliseh, who was renowned for his ability to dictate tempo and switch play with long, accurate balls.
Implications for AFCON Campaign
This critique comes at a crucial time for the Super Eagles. The team is putting the finishing touches on its preparations at a training camp in Cairo, Egypt. As of today, 24 players have already reported to camp.
Nigeria faces a major test in an international friendly against the Pharaohs of Egypt today, Tuesday, December 16. While this match is a vital rehearsal for both sides, reports from Egypt indicate that superstar Mohamed Salah may be rested or see limited action after a late arrival to camp.
The Super Eagles will begin their quest for a fourth AFCON title in Group C, where their first opponent is Tanzania on December 23. Aiyegbeni's comments underscore a pressing tactical question that coach Eric Chelle must address if the team is to dominate matches and succeed in the tournament.
