'Iwobi can't play that position' - Siasia reveals Super Eagles need an Okocha-like player in midfield

Retired Nigeria international Samson Siasia has raised serious concerns about the Super Eagles' midfield, emphasizing the urgent need for a creative playmaker akin to the legendary Jay-Jay Okocha.

Siasia's comments come on the heels of Nigeria's goalless draw against Rwanda on Tuesday at the Amahoro Stadium.

In his critique, Siasia pointed out that the Super Eagles currently lack a dynamic offensive midfielder who can deliver crucial passes to the strikers.

Despite Alex Iwobi being a regular starter for the team, he was notably absent from the lineup against Rwanda, with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru taking his place.

In an interview, Siasia suggested that Iwobi's performance in the attacking midfield role has not met expectations.

He further emphasized the need for an offensive midfielder who can deliver the final passes to the strikers, enabling them to finish effectively.

"We don’t have an offensive midfield player that can give the last pass to the strikers. We have great strikers, but we need someone that is missing," Siasia told Lagos Talks. 

He added, “Iwobi cannot play that position. He’s a good player, but he’s not doing as much as he’s supposed to as an offensive player. We have to look for that person in the center of the field, who can give the last passes and score goals.”

While acknowledging that the team is strong in other positions, the former Super Eagles coach also called for a creative midfielder reminiscent of Jay-Jay Okocha, but with the ability to score more goals than the legendary playmaker.

"In the defence and other parts, right and left midfield, we are good. We need someone like Jay-Jay Okocha, but it has to be somebody that can score more than him."

The former Nantes striker, who is now eligible to return to coaching following the end of his five-year ban imposed by FIFA, believes that addressing this midfield deficiency is crucial for the Super Eagles’ future success.

Adeyemi Adewale

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