‘We need a playmaker’ – Yakubu warns Nigeria over creativity gap despite praise for Osimhen, Lookman, Iwobi

Former Nigeria international Yakubu Aiyegbeni has named Victor Osimhen, Calvin Bassey, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi as his four outstanding Nigerian players in Europe today, Soccernet.ng reports.

The one-time Everton star, who is best pal with a South African icon, praised the four for their attitude, drive and importance to the national team as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations approaches.

Aiyegbeni, who remains Nigeria’s highest-scoring player in Premier League history, says the quartet embody the current spirit of the Super Eagles but insists Osimhen sits comfortably above the rest.

The Galatasaray striker, he says, has become the emotional engine of the national side.

“Yeah, we keep talking about Victor Osimhen, he has been the number one, Nigeria’s best player,” Aiyegbeni told SportsCasting. “He’s like a leader in the team. You see the aggression, the fight on the pitch, he is giving everything on the pitch.”

He extended the praise to Fulham defender Calvin Bassey, who has become a pillar of Nigeria’s back line.

“Then you have Calvin Bassey, the central defender from Fulham. Bassey has been another one, he is really solid in the team, he is a fighter, he gives a hundred percent in the team.”

Osimhen and Bassey were instrumental as Nigeria marched to last year’s AFCON final, combining relentless physicality with a competitive edge that has defined José Peseiro’s team. Their form for their clubs has not always been smooth this season, but Aiyegbeni believes their commitment to Nigeria remains unquestionable.

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Nigeria legend raises concerns over creativity as AFCON nears

Aiyegbeni also addressed the situation of Ademola Lookman, whose early-season form has dipped following a failed move from Atalanta to Inter Milan last summer.

Aiyegbeni acknowledges the winger's struggles but remains convinced that Lookman can rediscover top form in time for the continental showpiece.

Aiyegbeni said, “There have been two or three players that have been really impressive, it’s just a shame we didn’t see the best of Ademola Lookman, he is another good one.

“It’s just the situation with his club, I hope he gets back to his best before the AFCON, so that he can help us. We did miss him in the qualifiers, for the games we played, we really missed him because he was not the Lookman that we know, sometimes football is up and down, but he is another good one.”

The former Middlesbrough striker also reserved special mention for Alex Iwobi, a player he admits is not as naturally creative as his uncle, the legendary Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha, but nevertheless remains essential for the national team.

“Alex Iwobi has been alright, he has been doing all right as well too,” Aiyegbeni said.

“He is running around but we still need a creative midfielder in the team who can pass the ball to the strikers, we don’t have it. Alex is not the guy who can pass the ball to the striker, he is just buzzing around, getting the ball, passing it, we need someone who can pass forward.

“We don’t have Jay-Jay anymore, so we don’t have it. So that’s the problem we have with the national team, we need a creative midfielder who can pass the ball. We have too many defensive midfielders but the defense is quite solid. But maybe not enough goals at the moment. No, that’s why we struggle.”

With the Africa Cup of Nations set to kick off on 21 December, Osimhen, Bassey, Lookman and Iwobi are all expected to be named in Nigeria’s squad. All four were key in Nigeria’s run to the final last year, only to fall short against host nation Côte d’Ivoire.

Aiyegbeni believes their combined quality, leadership and experience could once again shape Nigeria’s fortunes, provided Lookman rediscovers his spark and the team finds a creative heartbeat in midfield.