Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has delivered a strong verdict on Nigeria's recent football crisis, stating that winning the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations cannot compensate for the team's failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
NFF Must Take Responsibility and Resign
The former Chelsea midfielder did not mince words when discussing the Nigeria Football Federation's role in the qualification disaster. Mikel insisted the entire NFF board must resign immediately for failing in their primary responsibility of securing World Cup qualification for the national team.
Speaking candidly on his popular podcast, The Obi One Podcast, Mikel declared: "But does it 100% make it up for it [winning AFCON]? I don't think so, because we want to see ourselves in the World Cup. I said it, if we do not qualify for the World Cup, the NFF, the whole board has to go."
He emphasized the need for accountability, adding: "They have to go, because you can't keep repeating the same mistake every time and thinking something is going to change. It's just going to be the same results. If you have the same people doing the same thing and failing all the time, and you give them one more time, no."
World Cup Miss Denies Osimhen Global Stage
The 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cup veteran expressed particular disappointment that Nigerian fans have been denied the opportunity to watch world-class striker Victor Osimhen showcase his talents on football's biggest stage.
Mikel highlighted the tragedy of the situation, stating: "It's a shame that you can't see a striker in his prime, in his prime, absolutely on fire, it's not going to be in the World Cup... As one of the best strikers in the world, he has to be in the World Cup."
He continued with visible frustration: "He has to be, because that's where he belongs. Competing in the World Cup, in the biggest stage... And it's a shame that we can't see our best striker in Africa be in that biggest stage, competing, showcasing his talents, scoring goals for our country, for our nation, Africa, Nigeria."
Painful Qualification Defeat to DR Congo
The Super Eagles' World Cup dreams ended in heartbreaking fashion during the playoff match against DR Congo. After both teams played to a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra-time, the match went to penalties where the Congolese emerged victorious with a 4-3 scoreline.
This defeat means Nigeria will miss the World Cup once again, while DR Congo will now feature at next year's intercontinental playoffs scheduled to take place in Mexico during March. The loss represents another major setback for Nigerian football following previous disappointments in international competitions.
Mikel Obi's strong comments reflect the growing frustration among Nigerian football fans and former players who have watched the national team struggle despite having some of Africa's most talented players at their disposal.
