Former Nigeria coach Samson Siasia believes the Super Eagles need an attacking midfielder of the pedigree of Jay-Jay Okocha to reach world-class status.

Nigeria boasts some of the best attacking talents on the African continent and the world at large, with the likes of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Victor Boniface making waves in Europe.

In defense and midfield, the country can boast the likes of William Troost-Ekong, Wilfred Ndidi, and Calvin Bassey, who have been impressive for their club sides in Europe.

Despite the pool of talent, the Super Eagles often struggle in games and fail to produce consistent performances in tournaments.

Siasia, who coached the team in 2016 following the resignation of Sunday Oliseh, believes that a creative midfielder with the qualities of Jay-Jay Okocha is the missing piece that will complete the Super Eagles team puzzle.

“We don’t have an offensive midfield player that can give the last pass to the strikers. We have great strikers, but we need someone that is missing,” Siasia told Lagos Talks.

“Iwobi cannot play that position. He’s a good player, but he’s not doing as much as he’s supposed to as an offensive player. We have to look for that person in the center of the field, who can give the last passes and score goals.

“In the defense and other parts, right and left midfield, we are good. We need someone like Jay-Jay Okocha, but it has to be somebody that can score more than him.”