Lookman’s Club Brilliance Doesn’t Solve Nigeria’s Playmaker Crisis – Esin

Former Nigerian international Etim Esin has questioned whether Ademola Lookman should be relied upon as a creative force for the Super Eagles, arguing that the team still lacks a traditional attacking midfielder.

While Lookman excels in a creative role for his club, Esin insists that for Nigeria, the job requires a different profile—a classic number 10 in the mold of himself, Henry Nwosu, or Jay-Jay Okocha.

“Lookman fits into that category, but not entirely for Nigeria,” Esin said on the Play Zone Podcast. “At his club, he executes that role exceptionally well, but when it comes to Nigeria, we still need that creativity in midfield.”

Esin described a true playmaker as the “architect and magician” of the team—someone who controls the game, draws defenders, creates space, and delivers assists.

“When we had the ball, the opponent felt intimidated,” he added.

Since his Super Eagles debut in March 2022, Lookman has recorded 11 goals and 10 assists in 43 appearances, but Esin believes Nigeria continues to search for that elusive midfield maestro.