Super Eagles Crisis Deepens as Players Boycott Training
Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has broken his silence on the ongoing dispute between national team players and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over unpaid allowances that threatened to derail Nigeria's World Cup qualification hopes.
The crisis reached its peak on Tuesday, November 12, 2025, when Super Eagles players refused to train in Morocco ahead of their crucial World Cup playoff match against the Panthers of Gabon. The players took this drastic action in protest against the NFF over a backlog of unpaid allowances reportedly dating back to 2019.
Mikel Obi's Strong Message to Players and NFF
Speaking on his Obi One Podcast, the Chelsea legend addressed the escalating situation and called for immediate resolution. Mikel expressed concern about the timing of the protest but emphasized the need for the NFF to fulfill its obligations to the players.
"It's a mountain to climb, and we have to make sure we are ready, and when you talk about making the players feel comfortable when they come to play, now is the right time," Mikel stated. "Whatever the NFF has to do to make the players come back, feel comfortable, to perform and give their best for the country, they have to do that right now, this is the time."
The former midfield maestro also touched on recent allegations of mismanagement of $1.2 million from FIFA funds and strongly advocated for rooting out corruption from Nigerian football administration.
Team Unity and World Cup Qualification at Stake
Mikel Obi urged the players to maintain focus despite the financial disputes, emphasizing the importance of qualifying for the World Cup. He specifically cautioned against over-reliance on star striker Victor Osimhen, who he described as "one of the best strikers in the world right now."
"Everyone needs to perform, find the motivation in you to know this is the biggest game of your life, we have to qualify for the World Cup, there's no two ways about it," he concluded with determination.
The training boycott immediately sparked widespread discussion on social media, with the NFF facing significant criticism amid recent allegations of financial mismanagement. Some sections of Nigerian fans expressed concern about the timing of the protest, worrying it could disrupt preparations for the crucial playoff match scheduled for Thursday, November 13, 2025.
According to latest reports, the players and NFF have reportedly resolved the issue, and training is expected to resume ahead of the decisive match against Gabon. The resolution comes as a relief to Nigerian football fans hoping to see the Super Eagles secure World Cup qualification.
