Former Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, has launched a powerful critique against the deep-seated corruption he alleges is crippling Nigerian football. The ex-Chelsea star insists that for the sport to progress in the country, these corrupt practices must be completely rooted out.
A Call for Accountability: The $1.2 Million FIFA Grant
Speaking candidly on his ObiOne podcast in a video shared on X this past Wednesday, Mikel Obi brought a specific financial controversy to the forefront. He directly referenced widespread online conversations and images concerning an alleged $1.2 million grant from FIFA to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). This fund was reportedly intended for stadium development projects.
"I've seen so many pictures, so many conversations about FIFA giving $1.2 million to the NFF to build stadiums. Have you seen that?" Mikel questioned, expressing the frustration of many fans. He left little room for ambiguity with his conclusion: "The corruption has to be rooted out of the game."
Shifting Focus to the Pitch: The World Cup Playoff Priority
Despite his strong condemnation, the former midfielder displayed a strategic and patriotic perspective. He urged that the intense discussions on corruption be temporarily set aside. Mikel emphasized that the immediate and most critical focus must be on the Nigerian national team's upcoming World Cup playoff matches.
"Now is not the best time to discuss those," he stated. "This is the time for us to focus on the game at hand—playing the playoff game to get to the next round and then qualify."
Player Welfare and National Success
Mikel Obi also directed a crucial message to the NFF, calling on the federation to ensure that players are comfortable, motivated, and ready to give their best for the nation. He stressed that adequate welfare and proper management are not mere luxuries but fundamental requirements for achieving success on the international stage.
"Whatever the NFF have to do to make those players come back, feel comfortable to perform, and give their best for the country, they have to do that right now," he asserted.
While acknowledging the world-class talent of striker Victor Osimhen, the former captain was clear that the team's qualification hopes cannot rest on one player's shoulders. He called for a collective effort from the entire squad.
"Don't depend on Victor Osimhen alone. The team, everybody, needs to perform," Mikel advised. He concluded with a rallying cry for motivation, stating, "Find the motivation in you, knowing that this is the biggest game of our lives, the nation's life. We have to qualify for the World Cup. There are not two ways about it; we have to."
