Additional Analysis: Atumu Voke
The jury is out on the Eagles’ Playmaker role after Jose Peseiro released the 25-man roster for the 2023 AFCON In Cote d’Ivoire.
The evolution of football tactics means a team can play without a natural playmaker.
What can Jose Peseiro do to make it obvious your playmaker role is covered? He gets 2 or 3 players with specific skills to cover the void.
Most teams will go for the obvious and use one winger and two attacking midfielders to do most of the playmaking.
Eagles Playmaker: Peseiro’s Current System and How It Has Failed
Each of them contributes their percentage in playmaking while still playing their primary role.
This has been the struggle in Super Eagles using Iheanacho or Aribo as attacking midfielders have reduced their capacity upfront.
At the same time, Moses or Chukwueze have failed to take up more responsibility as playmakers operating from the wings, delivering as many passes, and changing the direction while dictating the pace as much as possible.
Somehow, Lookman has found himself playing as a support striker, and he’s not doing enough playmaking while holding his role as a support striker.
Playmaking Void: Victor Boniface As A Good Fit
This is where Boniface has an edge. He plays deep, comfortable transitioning from midfield to the attacking midfield role and even finishing. Will this be enough to make Nigeria hope again?
When Okocha left… We had Onazi, Mikel, and Victor Moses doing the job.
It’s either one of Chukwueze or Moses joining in the playmaking and the other effective in striking, or they find their space on the bench.
This does not mean Iwobi is not offering anything, as the battle in the midfield is herculean. It will help the Eagles if the coach intentionally goes for players with playmaking attributes without ignoring their primary role.
Eagles Playmaker: The Alternative
Double eight? Yes, and a defensive midfielder is comfortable doing the playmaking.
In 1996, Bonfere Jo went to the Olympics without the usual Yekini lead structure in the attack.
Furthermore, he had the entire frontline striking, and his midfielders like Oruma, were ruthless in the opponent’s half.
Once a skill set is missing, it’s up to the coach to find that can complement one another to deliver that role, each contributing their little wonder.