1994 AFCON-winning midfielder Mutiu Adepoju believes the lack of a creative  player as good as his then teammate Austin 'Jay Jay' Okocha was one of the reasons why Madagascar overran a lethargic Nigerian side in their last Group B game  in the ongoing 2019 Africa Cup of Nations at the Alexandria stadium on Sunday.

Adepoju spoke to Brila FM on a range of issues in the aftermath of a humiliating defeat against the debutants.

"We (Nigeria) do  not have creative midfielders like Jay Jay Okocha. In the present Eagles, John Mikel Obi needs to play with fast younger players who are mobile," Adepoju said in reference to Mikel Obi stepping into the big  shoe of Okocha.

"The way they (Madagascar) played us without a fightback from us annoyed most Nigerians. It was not a good game by the Eagles. Madagascar even created lots of chances. Its not hard luck for Nigeria, Madagascar were simply better," Adepoju who was in Nigeria's 1994, 2000 and 2002 AFCON squads added.

With Nigeria now likely to face perennial west African foes Ghana in the round of 16 who could finish as runners up in Group F, Adepoju affectionately called 'The headmaster' in his playing days bared his mind in his preference as Nigeria's opponents when the knockout stages come around.

"Ghana is a big rival in African football. It would have been better to play a lower ranked team than Ghana.

"Now the Eagles have to put on the Nigerian spirit and win their remaining game(s) in the tournament," the onetime Real Sociedad midfielder concluded.

Izuchukwu  Okosi