Tijani Babangida has pinpointed the Super Eagles’ midfield as the team’s weakest link, urging head coach Eric Sekou Chelle to address the issue ahead of the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
The former winger and Olympic gold medalist, while speaking on Nigeria’s readiness for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations ( AFCON ) said Nigeria’s attack is loaded with quality but cannot thrive without a functional and creative midfield.
“Having Osimhen, Boniface, Sadiq, Lookman and Chukwueze appears to be very good on paper,” Babangida said, praising the attacking depth.
He, however, noted that recent performances have exposed a major concern.
“I still remember the game against Congo — the midfield of Super Eagles was very poor and there was no supply of balls to the attackers from the second half,” he recalled.
Babangida criticised the overly defensive approach of the midfielders in that match.
“Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi played to defend the team instead of launching attacks, and the fullbacks did more defending than joining the attack,” he added.
The ex-Ajax star stressed that Nigeria’s AFCON ambitions depend on unlocking creativity and balance in midfield.
“Super Eagles need a very strong midfield to bring out the best in the attackers,” he emphasised.
He also expressed confidence in the new midfielders invited by Chelle.
“I think the new midfielders invited by Chelle can make the midfield very strong. Some of them will make the team and make Super Eagles stronger,” he said.
Nigeria will compete in Group C against Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania as they chase their first
AFCON title since 2013.
Coach Chelle has named a 54-man provisional squad, with several new midfield additions including Pisa midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, as Nigerians look forward to the release of the final squad for the competition.
