Former Super Eagles forward Yakubu Aiyegbeni has taken a swipe at Nigeria’s senior national team, faulting their tactics and lack of cohesion for the country’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria’s qualification campaign was marred by a series of disappointing results, including draws against Zimbabwe, Lesotho and South Africa. With only two fixtures left, the Eagles are third in Group C with 11 points, six behind leaders South Africa on 17 points and three adrift of second-placed Benin Republic on 14.
Speaking on the Sunday Oliseh Podcast, the ex-Everton striker, who netted 21 goals in 58 appearances for Nigeria, said the team’s imbalance in midfield and heavy reliance on individual brilliance were key reasons for their struggles.
“When you look at the team, there are too many defensive midfielders and not enough creative ones,” Yakubu observed. “If I were playing for this side, I would struggle to score. You can see it with Osimhen, he is constantly fighting, creating his own chances and scoring through sheer determination.”
Yakubu further criticised the playing style of the current squad, describing it as “individual football” rather than a collective effort. “We don’t play like a team; we expect players to create magic on their own,” he added.
Despite retiring years ago, Yakubu remains Nigeria’s fourth-highest all-time goalscorer and continues to advocate for a more balanced and inventive approach to the Super Eagles’ game.
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