Former Nigerian international Etim Esin has expressed concern over the Super Eagles’ lack of a true creative midfielder, insisting that the presence of Ademola Lookman is not enough to address the team’s long-standing playmaking issues.

Speaking on the Play Zone Podcast,  Etim noted that Nigeria is still missing a classic number 10 in the mould of himself, Henry Nwosu, and Jay-Jay Okocha.

The former Iwuanyanwu Nationale midfielder stressed that while Lookman has excelled at club level, he has yet to fully replicate that creative influence for the national team.

 “I think we are still looking for that creative talented midfield player,” Etim said. “Lookman comes into that but but not really for Nigeria”.

“For his club, he does that very well but when it comes to Nigeria, I think we still need that creativity in the middle of the park.”

Etim Esin further explained that a traditional playmaker serves as the “architect and magician” of the team, capable of dictating play, creating chances, and intimidating opponents.

“He is the architect and magician in the squad. He makes things happen. Even if he does not score, he can lay an assist and make things happen in the game. If you have that in your squad, you will have the confidence,” he added.

“Number ten like me, Henry {Nwosu}, Jay-Jay (Okocha), if we are with the ball the opponent will be intimidated.”

According to him, players of that caliber can draw multiple defenders and open up spaces for teammates, a quality he believes is currently lacking in the Super Eagles squad.

“You have to intimidate the opponent and let them know you have this kind of player that can drag two or three players and create space and lay a pass for someone. I think we still need that in our national team which we don’t really have,” he said.

Lookman has become an influential figure for the Super Eagles since making his debut in March 2025 in a goalless draw against Ghana national football team, scoring 11 goals and providing 10 assists in 43 appearances for the national team.

Adeyemi Adewale