Yakubu Hails Osimhen and Key Stars but Warns Nigeria About Creativity Crisis Ahead of AFCON

Former Super Eagles forward Yakubu Aiyegbeni has praised four Nigerian players—Victor Osimhen, Calvin Bassey, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi—but warned that the national team still lacks a true creative midfielder ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Speaking to SportsCasting, Aiyegbeni said Osimhen remains the team’s standout performer, describing him as Nigeria’s emotional and physical leader. “He has been the number one, Nigeria’s best player… he is giving everything on the pitch,” he said. The former Everton striker added that Osimhen’s leadership and intensity continue to set the tone for the squad.

He also applauded Fulham defender Calvin Bassey, calling him “really solid… a fighter” who consistently gives “a hundred percent.” Both Osimhen and Bassey were key figures in Nigeria’s run to the AFCON final last year, and Aiyegbeni believes their commitment has never been in doubt, even with mixed club form this season.

On Lookman, the former striker acknowledged the winger’s dip in form after a failed transfer from Atalanta to Inter Milan. He admits Nigeria missed the player in recent qualifiers but remains hopeful, saying “I hope he gets back to his best before the AFCON… sometimes football is up and down.”

Aiyegbeni also praised Alex Iwobi’s work rate but stressed that the midfield still lacks a true playmaker. “We still need a creative midfielder… we don’t have it,” he said, noting that Iwobi is “not the guy who can pass the ball to the striker” the way his uncle, Jay-Jay Okocha, once did.

With the tournament kicking off on December 21, the four players are expected to make Nigeria’s squad. Aiyegbeni believes their quality could guide the Super Eagles far again—if Lookman regains form and the team finds the creative spark it desperately needs.