Former Nigeria international Nosa Igiebor has identified creativity as the next key area the Super Eagles must improve as they build toward future competitions.
READ ALSO: Onyeka Describes Coventry City Move as “My Next Chapter”
Speaking on the team’s evolution, Igiebor said Nigeria needs more inventive options in midfield to avoid being predictable against top opponents. He referenced past tournaments where the Super Eagles struggled after opponents successfully neutralised their main creative outlets.
“If you look at the last AFCON, once teams figured out how to stop Alex Iwobi, our creativity dropped,” Igiebor said. “That cannot keep happening. We need more players who can unlock defences and change games.”
The former midfielder stressed that relying on one or two players to dictate play makes the team vulnerable, especially against well-organised sides. He urged the technical crew to broaden the team’s creative base by identifying and developing additional playmakers.
“Football at this level is about solutions,” he added. “When one option is taken away, you must have another. That is what the top teams do.”
Igiebor believes the responsibility now lies with head coach Eric Chelle and his backroom staff to address the issue through tactical adjustments and player selection.
“The coach and his assistants must make creativity a priority,” he said. “If Nigeria want to dominate games consistently, the midfield must be able to control tempo and create chances.”
He concluded by expressing optimism that with the right approach, the Super Eagles can add more balance and unpredictability to their game going forward.
