Former Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, has stirred intense debate in Nigeria’s football community after declaring that the entire board of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) should be disbanded if the Super Eagles fail to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mikel, who had a distinguished career with Chelsea in the English Premier League and was instrumental in Nigeria’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph, voiced his frustration on his podcast, Obi One. He emphasized that Nigerian football has been plagued by poor management and leadership at the NFF, which has directly affected the performance of the national
Nigeria’s Struggles in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
The Super Eagles’ qualification hopes for the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, are hanging by a thread. Nigeria currently sits third in Group C of the CAF qualifiers after a disappointing draw against South Africa.
With only two games remaining, the Super Eagles are trailing Bafana Bafana by six points, making their chances of securing a ticket to the global showpiece slim. Fans across the country are beginning to lose faith in the team, recalling the bitter memory of missing the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after being eliminated by Ghana on away goals.
Mikel Obi expressed his deep disappointment at this recurring trend, noting that a country blessed with immense football talent should not struggle this much on the international stage.
Mikel Obi’s Candid Verdict
Speaking on his podcast, Mikel did not hold back in his criticism of the NFF. He said:
> “If Nigeria doesn’t qualify for the World Cup, the entire NFF board has to go… it’s unacceptable. 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.”
The 2012 UEFA Champions League winner argued that the core problem lies not with the players, but with the administration of football in Nigeria. He highlighted that the federation’s inability to put its house in order has created unnecessary distractions, instability, and lack of progress.
Call for Government Intervention
Mikel went further to call on the federal government to take drastic measures if the Super Eagles miss out again. According to him, football is more than a sport in Nigeria—it is a unifying force that brings millions together regardless of ethnicity, religion, or politics.
He stressed that poor leadership at the NFF has repeatedly let Nigerians down, and the government should step in to restructure the federation, ensure transparency, and bring competent people into the system.
Fans Share the Same Sentiment
Mikel Obi’s strong remarks have resonated with many Nigerian football fans who believe the NFF has long failed to deliver. On social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram, fans have called for accountability, citing poor planning, corruption allegations, and inconsistent management as the root causes of the Super Eagles’ woes.
Several football analysts also echoed Mikel’s views, pointing out that Nigeria has some of the most talented footballers in Africa, many of whom play in Europe’s top leagues, yet the national team continues to underperform on the global stage.
Looking Ahead
With two matches left in the qualifiers, the Super Eagles still have a mathematical chance of securing a World Cup slot. However, the road ahead is tough, and the team will need to deliver flawless performances while also relying on other results to go their way.
The question now is: will Nigeria rise to the occasion, or will the nation face another painful heartbreak?
For Mikel Obi, the answer is clear. If the team fails to qualify, drastic reforms must take place—starting with the resignation or removal of the entire NFF leadership.
Conclusion
Mikel Obi’s bold statement has placed Nigeria’s football governing body under fresh scrutiny. His words reflect the frustration of millions of Nigerians who believe their footballing heritage deserves better management.
As the qualifiers edge closer to their conclusion, the fate of the Super Eagles—and indeed the credibility of the NFF—hangs in the balance. For a country that lives and breathes football, missing the World Cup for the second consecutive time would be nothing short of a national tragedy.
