Speaking on the Play Zone Podcast, Esin stressed that while modern talents have added quality to the squad, Nigeria remains without a “true number 10” in the mould of past greats like Henry Nwosu and Jay-Jay Okocha.
According to him, the responsibility of orchestrating play should not be placed squarely on Ademola Lookman, despite the winger’s impressive performances at club level.
Esin acknowledged Lookman’s technical ability and attacking influence but argued that his role with the national team does not fully align with that of a traditional playmaker. “Lookman fits into that category, but not entirely for Nigeria,” he explained, noting that the team still lacks a midfielder who can consistently unlock defenses from deeper or central positions.
He described the ideal number 10 as the “architect and magician” of any successful side — a player who controls tempo, creates scoring chances, and unsettles opponents with vision and flair. In his view, such players bring not only assists but also confidence and structure to the entire team.
Reflecting on his era, Esin said players like himself, Nwosu, and Okocha had the ability to command attention on the pitch, often drawing multiple defenders and opening space for teammates. He believes this specific quality — the power to intimidate and manipulate opposition defenses — is currently missing in the Super Eagles setup.
“The opponent must feel your presence,” he noted, emphasizing the psychological edge a true playmaker provides.
While Lookman has grown into a key figure for Nigeria since making his debut in 2025 — contributing 11 goals and 10 assists in 43 appearances — Esin insists that the team’s long-term balance will depend on rediscovering or developing a specialist creative midfielder to anchor its attacking play.