National Teams
Etim Esin reveals Super Eagles’ missing link
By: Saheed Afolabi
Former Nigeria international, Etim Esin, has revealed the missing ingredient in the Super Eagles’ pursuit of comfortable victories—an influential creative midfielder.
The national team struggled in their recent 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda, which ended in disappointing defeats on home soil.
Esin believes the absence of a dynamic playmaker is to blame for the team’s inability to control matches and break down opposition defenses effectively.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s recent challenges, Esin highlighted that since the retirement of players like Austin Okocha, Henry Nwosu, and himself, the Eagles have struggled to find a worthy successor in the number 10 role.
“Another issue is the lack of a creative midfielder — a proper number 10 who can orchestrate plays, provide assists, and unsettle opposing teams,” Esin said in an interview with Complete Sports.
“That magic touch of players like Jay-Jay Okocha, Henry Nwosu, or even myself is missing. We don’t have naturally gifted playmakers anymore. Everyone is just average.”
Esin also criticized the current crop of players, particularly Alex Iwobi, for failing to live up to the legacy of past Super Eagles playmakers.
He stressed that the Super Eagles’ lack of a game-changing playmaker has left teams facing Nigeria without fear, and the fans have yet to see a player who can bring the stadium to life as Okocha once did.
“People keep talking about Iwobi, but he can’t do half of what Okocha did. That comparison doesn’t hold water,” Esin added.
