Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has launched a scathing attack on the Nigeria Football Federation leadership following the national team's failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Heartbreak in Morocco
The Super Eagles suffered a devastating 4-3 penalty shootout defeat against DR Congo after a 1-1 draw in regulation time during their World Cup playoff final at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium on Sunday, November 18. This marks Nigeria's second consecutive failure to qualify for the global football tournament.
The Chelsea and Champions League legend didn't mince words when expressing his frustration with the football administration, pointing to systemic issues that have plagued Nigerian football for years.
Mikel's Fiery Critique
In a viral social media post on X, the 2013 AFCON winner directly blamed NFF leadership for depriving Nigerians of World Cup participation. "For the past eight years, this NFF have deprived the common Nigerian the chance to watch our team, our country, in the World Cup on the biggest stage," Mikel stated.
He continued with a damning assessment: "They have deprived us that by mismanagement, corruption; they have whichever way you look at it. Now it's another four years, we say let's give them another chance - no because you know what, it's still gonna be the same result which is failure because they don't know how to do it; they have no idea."
The former Stoke City captain accused the federation of prioritizing personal gain over football development, saying "what they are interested in is what comes in put in their pockets; that is what they are interested in and that has to stop."
Football as National Unifier
Mikel Obi emphasized the unique role football plays in uniting Nigeria's diverse population. He highlighted how the sport transcends religious and tribal divisions, bringing together people from all major ethnic groups including Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo.
"Football is the one thing that holds people together, that brings people together," he explained. "It doesn't matter what is going on in the country, the economic situation and suffering of the people. All that goes out of the window when there is football, especially the World Cup; we all support Nigeria."
The former midfielder called for immediate reform, declaring "enough is enough" and demanding that football authorities "do the right thing" to harness Nigeria's abundant football talent and potential.
As Nigerian football fans process another World Cup qualification disappointment, Mikel Obi's powerful critique has sparked renewed conversations about the need for structural reforms within the country's football administration.
