Former Super Eagles striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni has identified key weaknesses in Nigeria’s current squad as the team faces the prospect of missing out on qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Nigeria currently sits third in Group C with 11 points, trailing South Africa on 17 points and Benin Republic on 14 points, with just two qualifying matches remaining. Recent results have included draws against Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and South Africa, leaving the Eagles in a precarious position.
Speaking on the Sunday Oliseh podcast, Yakubu criticised the lack of creativity in the midfield. “When we look at the team, we have too many defensive midfielders and not many attacking midfielders,” he said.
Yakubu, who scored 21 goals in 58 appearances for Nigeria, also expressed concerns over striker Victor Osimhen’s struggles in front of goal.
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“If I play in this team, I will struggle to score goals. When I look at Osimhen, he is fighting because he knows when he sees the goals he scores, he has to hustle by himself,” Yakubu explained.
He went further to condemn the team’s overall style of play, describing it as overly reliant on individual brilliance rather than cohesive team efforts.
“We don’t play like a team, it’s individual football we play, and we want the players to make magic,” he added.
With the World Cup qualifiers reaching a critical stage, Yakubu’s comments underline the urgent need for tactical adjustments and improved creativity if Nigeria hopes to secure a place in North America for the 2026 tournament.
