Media Team
Ex-international Yakubu Aiyegbeni has pinpointed critical flaws plaguing Nigeria’s national team as their World Cup dream hangs in the balance.
The three-time African champions have stumbled through the qualifiers, registering disappointing draws against Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and South Africa.
With just two matches remaining, Nigeria trails surprise package Benin Republic and group favorites South Africa in a fiercely contested qualification race.
The former Everton striker identified creativity as the team’s major shortfall, stating: “Our midfield lacks vision—it’s overloaded with destroyers when we desperately need creators.”
Yakubu, Nigeria’s third-highest all-time scorer, sympathized with current talisman Victor Osimhen’s predicament: “Even in my prime, I’d struggle in this setup. Osimhen creates most of his chances himself—that shouldn’t happen.”
The 41-year-old didn’t mince words about Nigeria’s tactical approach, lamenting: “We’ve abandoned team football for individual brilliance. Top nations win through systems, not solo acts.”
His damning assessment comes as Nigeria prepares for must-win fixtures against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in November.
