“He can’t do half of what Okocha did” – Former Nigeria International shades Iwobi, calls for gifted playmakers in Super Eagles squad

Former Super Eagles attacking midfielder, Etim Esin, has bemoaned the lack of creativity amongst the current crop of Nigerian midfielders, comparing Iwobi to Okocha, Soccernet.ng reports. 

Augustine Eguavoen’s team struggled to create chances in Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 qualifying games against the Republic of Benin and Rwanda during the just-concluded International break.

Despite the secure qualification of the three-time AFCON Champions, their display in their last two games has seen many question the ability of the team to go on and win the competition, as they’re struggling against lower ranked side.

Etim, who donned the jerseys of K.S.C. Lokeren Oost-Vlaanderen between 1988 and 1990, revealed the absence of creative midfielders in the Super Eagles team plays a role in hindering the strikers’ performances.

“Another issue is the lack of a creative midfielder — a proper number 10 who can orchestrate plays, provide assists, and unsettle opposing teams.

That magic touch of players like Jay-Jay Okocha, Henry Nwosu, or even myself is missing. We don’t have naturally gifted playmakers anymore. Everyone is just average.

For instance, people keep talking about Iwobi, but he can’t do half of what Okocha did. That comparison doesn’t hold water,” the 58-year-old said in an interview with Complete Sports.

Jay-Jay Okocha is Iwobi’s maternal cousin. The Fulham midfielder was born in Lagos and moved to England at the age of four, following a brief stay in Turkey, and grew up in Newham, London.

He played for the England youth team before opting to play for the Super Eagles in 2015.