Former Super Eagles forward Victor Ikpeba says Gernot Rohr does not have creative midfielders who can make the difference at the highest level.
Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi has occasionally been deployed in the attacking midfield position for the Super Eagles, but Ikpeba insisted he is not good enough to play the role against high-quality oppositions.
The former Arsenal man starred in the role last time out was named man of the match against Liberia in the 2022 FIFA World Cup second round qualifier last month.
Ikpeba says Iwobi can only thrive against African oppositions while insisting that the Super Eagles needs a world-class playmaker.
Speaking on Monday night football on Super Sports, Ikpeba said: “On paper it looks very clearly that we will pick the six points but we have to be very careful because football is always played on the field of play. However, we lack that creativity in the midfield.
“We don’t have that player such as Okocha and Oruma in the midfield that can create chances for our strikers. In Africa its fine but playing at the world stages, we need someone that is creative. Alex Iwobi can’t do the job for us.”
Nigeria will face Central African Republic in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos on Thursday, October 7 while the return leg will be played at the Stade Barthélemy Boganda, Bangui on Sunday, October 10, 2021.
Nigeria tops Group C with 6 points from 2 matches.
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