Former Nigeria striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni has warned that the Super Eagles’ current squad suffers from a midfield imbalance, with too many defensive players limiting creativity and attacking potential.
Speaking on the Home Turf podcast, Aiyegbeni explained, “We need midfielders who can dictate play, switch the ball, and unlock defenses. Currently, too many defensive players dominate the team.”
The Super Eagles’ 28-man AFCON 2025 squad, announced by head coach Eric Chelle, features eight midfielders, a mix heavily weighted toward defensive roles, raising questions about tactical flexibility.
Midfielders called up include Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Tochukwu Nnadi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and Usman Muhammed, forming a defensive-heavy core.
Aiyegbeni recalled Nigeria’s previous eras, when midfielders like Sunday Oliseh could defend and create, controlling tempo, distributing the ball effectively, and linking attack and defense seamlessly in crucial matches.
“In our generation, midfielders dominated the game and created chances regularly. Today, we rely on defensive players who rarely progress the ball forward, making it predictable and easier to defend,” he added.
The former striker praised Ndidi and Onyeka’s defensive abilities but noted they rarely attempt forward passes. “It’s lucky when Ndidi passes to Ejuke. That shouldn’t be an exception but a consistent option,” he said.
Alex Iwobi is currently the most advanced midfielder in the squad, capable of linking midfield and attack. Yet relying solely on him limits the team’s ability to unlock compact defenses consistently.
Chelle’s strategy focuses on maintaining defensive stability, but analysts argue this comes at a cost. Without creative balance, attackers are left isolated, and match control often slips away against disciplined opponents.
Currently, 22 players are training in Cairo, Egypt, preparing for friendlies and tactical sessions ahead of the AFCON tournament, including a scheduled friendly against the Egyptian national team.
Reports suggest Liverpool star Mohamed Salah might not feature against Nigeria, potentially reducing the match’s competitive intensity. Still, the friendly provides opportunities to test squad formations and midfield balance.
Aiyegbeni highlighted the importance of experimentation in these friendlies. “We must identify players who can control games, dictate tempo, and provide decisive passes. That’s the key to dominating matches.”
Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, and Ademola Lookman headline Nigeria’s attacking options. These forwards possess pace, technical skill, and finishing ability, but their effectiveness depends heavily on quality service from midfielders.
Without creative midfielders, Nigeria risks underutilizing these attackers. A predictable passing pattern and over-reliance on defensive players reduce the team’s chance of breaking down well-organized defenses.
Historically, the Super Eagles’ most successful teams combined defensive midfielders with dynamic, visionary players. That balance allowed possession control and attacking fluidity, crucial against top African opponents.
Aiyegbeni criticized the current tactical approach. “Freedom and trust for creative players are essential. Midfielders need confidence to attempt ambitious passes, which can unlock games and change momentum instantly.”
The coach must consider integrating midfielders capable of both defensive contributions and advanced playmaking. Tactical adjustments could include pairing defensive specialists with more forward-thinking teammates for flexibility.
Chelle faces pressure to strike the right balance. Too many defensive midfielders risk predictability, while insufficient protection could expose the backline. The challenge is maintaining equilibrium across matches.
The team’s preparation in Cairo includes intensive training sessions focusing on positional awareness, passing patterns, and transitions from defense to attack, aiming to refine squad dynamics before AFCON 2025.
Aiyegbeni emphasized Nigeria’s historical strength in midfield control. “Previously, our teams dominated games because midfielders could switch play, distribute long passes, and read the opposition. That creativity is missing now.”
Analysts suggest that introducing a central creative midfielder could increase goal-scoring chances, improve ball circulation, and relieve pressure on defensive players, enabling a more dynamic attacking approach.
Nigeria’s upcoming friendlies will reveal whether the squad can adapt. Coaches aim to test combinations, rotations, and tactical setups to ensure that both defensive solidity and offensive creativity are maintained.
The Super Eagles’ attack relies heavily on through balls, quick transitions, and exploiting space. Without midfield inventiveness, these tactics may not be executed efficiently against structured opponents.
Aiyegbeni stressed that proper midfield balance is the key to controlling matches and achieving success in AFCON 2025. “We need players who can dominate the game and influence results consistently,” he said.
The squad includes talented youngsters such as Ebenezer Akinsanmiro and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who could evolve into creative roles if given freedom and guidance within a balanced system.
Midfield creativity also impacts defensive effectiveness. A team that controls possession reduces opponent chances and mitigates risk, whereas passive or backward-passing midfielders invite pressure and counterattacks.
Chelle’s coaching philosophy favors structured, disciplined play, but Aiyegbeni warns that rigidity may hinder the team’s natural attacking rhythm, particularly in high-stakes AFCON matches against quality opposition.
Nigeria’s group stage opponents will test midfield depth, vision, and ball control. Teams with compact defenses require incisive passing and creativity to create scoring opportunities consistently.
The lack of creative midfielders may also influence team morale. Players restricted to defensive roles without freedom to influence attacks may become predictable and frustrated on the pitch.
Aiyegbeni remains cautiously optimistic. He believes that tactical awareness, proper player utilization, and strategic experimentation in friendly matches could help resolve current midfield deficiencies.
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If a creative midfielder is successfully integrated, Nigeria could enhance attacking fluidity, maintain possession under pressure, and increase the likelihood of advancing beyond the group stage in AFCON 2025.
Ultimately, the Super Eagles’ success depends on balancing defensive discipline with attacking creativity. Aiyegbeni concludes, “We need more than defensive midfielders. A player who can change the game is essential.”
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