Former Super Eagles captain and Chelsea legend, John Mikel Obi, has voiced strong criticism against the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), highlighting critical issues he believes could derail Nigeria's campaign at the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Mikel Obi's Scathing Critique of NFF Preparations
In a candid assessment, Mikel Obi expressed deep disappointment with the level of the Super Eagles' preparation, especially following the national team's failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 2013 AFCON winner stated he expected concrete plans and improvements from the football authorities, but has been left unimpressed.
"Sincerely, I am not impressed at all with the level of preparation," Mikel Obi said. "After everything that happened with the World Cup qualifiers, you would expect things to be better."
Key Problems Threatening AFCON Success
Mikel Obi proceeded to outline specific administrative failures that pose a serious threat to the team's performance in Morocco. He pointedly questioned how the NFF could owe the national team coach money at such a crucial stage, describing the situation as "shameless" and contrary to how serious football nations operate.
He emphasized that such public issues negatively affect everyone involved—the coaches, players, and fans. "You can’t go into the AFCON with unresolved problems. Everything must be sorted now," he insisted, adding that the tournament was an opportunity to save face and show lessons were learned from past failures.
The former midfielder lamented that administrative issues have persistently plagued Nigerian football, often leading to "disgraceful pay strikes overseas" and undermining the team's potential. "Nigeria deserves better. Our football deserves better," he concluded.
Context: Recent Matches and FIFA Petition
Mikel Obi's comments come on the heels of the Super Eagles' 2-1 defeat to Egypt in a pre-AFCON friendly at the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. The match saw Egypt take the lead through Mahmoud Saber in the 27th minute, with Nigeria's Chigozie Awaziem equalizing before halftime. Mostafa Mohamed scored the winner for Egypt in the 53rd minute.
The team was without key players Victor Osimhen and Moses Simon for that encounter. This friendly was initially scheduled for December 14 but was rescheduled after FIFA extended the player release period from clubs by one week.
In related news, the NFF has formally petitioned FIFA over the Democratic Republic of Congo's alleged use of ineligible players during the recent African World Cup playoffs. NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, confirmed the petition, accusing DR Congo of deceiving FIFA into clearing some foreign-born players.
The three-time African champions are scheduled to fly out to Morocco on December 18 aboard a chartered flight to begin their final preparations for the tournament, where they will be aiming to win a fourth continental title.
