AFCON 2025: Yakubu Aiyegbeni exposes Super Eagles’ major weakness

Former Nigeria international Yakubu Aiyegbeni has identified a major weakness in the Super Eagles ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The former Everton striker explained that the Super Eagles lack a creative midfielder in the mould of former captain Sunday Oliseh, capable of dictating play and exerting control over matches.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has already unveiled his 28-man squad for the 2025 AFCON, which includes midfielders Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Usman Muhammed, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika and Tochukwu Nnadi.

Speaking on the Home Turf podcast, Aiyegbeni said: “Nigeria needs a proper midfielder who can pass the ball because we have too many defensive midfielders. Ndidi and Onyeka can only pass the ball sideways.

“I don’t want to go back to our days. We had Oliseh, who can pass the ball and switch the play. We need a creative midfielder who can pass the ball very well, so we’re lacking that.”