Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has launched a scathing attack on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), insisting the board must step down if the national team fails to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, the former Chelsea midfielder described Nigeria’s potential back-to-back World Cup absence as “unacceptable,” recalling the pain of missing out on Qatar 2022.
“If Nigeria doesn’t qualify for the World Cup, the entire NFF board has to go… it’s unacceptable,” Mikel said. “We didn’t qualify for Qatar the last World Cup and now it looks like again we are not going to make it. Honestly, I have nothing to say about it. It is just horrible.”
The 37-year-old was clear that responsibility cannot rest solely on the players, stressing deeper systemic failures within Nigerian football.
“Do you blame the players? No, I don’t blame the players. Yes, they have to take responsibility for the situation, but are you gonna blame them alone? No,” he argued.
Mikel warned that the recurring mismanagement not only damages Nigeria’s football reputation but also contributes to global disrespect for African football.
Nigeria are currently battling to secure qualification in a tough group, with mounting pressure on both the squad and the federation.
