Former Super Eagles defender, Celestine Babayaro, has come out amidst the controversy surrounding the number 10 role in the Super Eagles and has told the national team handler, Gernot Rohr, that it’s not compulsory to use the number 10 and he does not need a number 10 player in the like Austin Okocha and Wilson Oruma to succeed at the African Cup of Nations AFCON or even the World Cup finals.
The former Chelsea defence ace told Rohr that the pattern was outdated and not in vogue hence he should forget about it. Speaking to journalists, Babayaro said those who were clamouring for the return of a natural number 10 in the team are not in tune with the demands of modern day football. “I think we are wasting so much time talking about a natural number 10 for the Super Eagles.”
Most teams do not play that system anymore. It is a dying role. Who is playing number 10 for Liverpool, Barcelona and even Real Madrid? It is no longer a must to have one” Babayaro explained.
This statement is coming aftermath of the controversial topic discussed concerning Alex Iwobi being suitable for the position. The assistant handler of the Super Eagles Joseph Yobo was reported calling Iwobi inconsistent in his play but the former Everton defender has since come out to deny the statement.
Alex Iwobi is currently on his debut season for Everton having 18 appearance in the premier league and scoring only just one goal so far.
