‘We Need a Playmaker’ – Yakubu Warns Super Eagles Over Creativity Gap

Former Super Eagles Star Hails Key Players but Calls for Midfield Spark Ahead of 2025 AFCON.

Former Nigeria international Yakubu Aiyegbeni has named Victor Osimhen, Calvin Bassey, Ademola Lookman, and Alex Iwobi as the four standout Nigerian players in Europe today, Sportblits.com reports.

The former Everton striker, Nigeria’s highest-scoring player in Premier League history, praised their attitude, drive, and importance to the Super Eagles as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations approaches.

Aiyegbeni singled out Osimhen as the clear leader and emotional core of the team.

“Yeah, we keep talking about Victor Osimhen, he has been the number one, Nigeria’s best player,” Aiyegbeni told SportsCasting. “He’s like a leader in the team. You see the aggression, the fight on the pitch, he is giving everything on the pitch.”

He also highlighted Fulham defender Calvin Bassey for his solidity and commitment.

“Then you have Calvin Bassey, the central defender from Fulham. Bassey has been another one, he is really solid in the team, he is a fighter, he gives a hundred percent in the team.”

Osimhen and Bassey were central to Nigeria’s run to the 2023 AFCON final under José Peseiro, showcasing physicality and competitive spirit. Despite inconsistent club form this season, their dedication to the national team remains strong.

However, Aiyegbeni issued a stark warning: “We need a playmaker.”

He stressed the urgent need for a creative midfielder to supply the attack and reduce the isolation of forwards like Osimhen, who often battles alone up top.