Former Nigeria international, Sunday Oliseh, has voiced his apprehension about the Super Eagles' midfield situation in the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The concern stems from the absence of Wilfred Ndidi, who was initially part of the squad but had to withdraw due to a lingering muscular issue.
Oliseh emphasized the pivotal role of a solid defensive midfielder and expressed worry about the team's midfield strength, underscoring the significance of such players in major tournaments.
“Statistics have proven to us in the Fifa Technical Committee that every club or country that wins major tournaments have a solid defensive midfielder because it is very, very important.
“That is one of the most ungrateful roles you have in football. I am worried about the midfield, we could be lean.” Oliseh said in an interview in Channels TV as quoted by Daily Post.
“The moment I heard Ndidi was injured, this is going to be a problem, this is Africa Cup of Nations. There are going to be duels, hard tackles when you look at the teams that are coming at us.
“If you are going to have offensive players like we have, you cannot afford to play without solid defensive midfielders.”
By Olujimi Dare Ogun