Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has warned that the entire Nigeria Football Federation board should resign if the Super Eagles fail to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking on his Obi One podcast, Mikel Obi said, “If Nigeria doesn’t qualify for the World Cup, the entire NFF board has to go… it’s unacceptable.” He faulted the federation’s leadership for Nigeria’s ongoing qualification struggles, arguing that the blame should not rest solely on the players. He referenced Nigeria’s failure to reach the 2022 World Cup, suggesting that consecutive failures reflect systemic issues within the governing body.
Editorial
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We share Mikel Obi’s frustration and his sense that Nigeria’s repeated World Cup qualification failures reflect more than bad luck or on-pitch shortcomings. It is a symptom of deeper organisational failings, leadership lapses, and a lack of accountability within the NFF.
We believe that calling for the resignation of the NFF board is not mere grandstanding. Rather, it is a demand for accountability. When the team repeatedly fails to deliver on global stages, and administrative systems falter in response, it is not enough to blame players or coaches. The leadership at the top must also bear responsibility.
We also acknowledge that structural issues—funding, governance, planning, and stakeholder engagement—play a significant role in determining whether Nigerian teams compete effectively. Failure at this level is symptomatic of a federation that has not addressed root issues and continues to operate without sufficient oversight or strategic vision.
We emphasise that reform must come with clarity, transparency, and a willingness to reset the system, not merely reshuffle personnel. For change to be meaningful, it must be institutional. Without that, resignations are symbolic and risk being dismissed as superficial.
We hold firm to the belief that Nigerian football deserves leadership that is proactive, responsive, and willing to adapt. If the NFF cannot meet that standard, then the call for change is not just justified—it is overdue.
Did You Know?
- Nigeria also failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, making a second consecutive absence a real possibility.
- John Mikel Obi captained the Super Eagles during the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, helping them win the tournament.
- Mikel Obi has used hisObi One podcast as a platform to critique Nigerian football governance and propose reforms.
- The current NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, was elected in September 2022.
- Nigeria’s final two qualifiers in Group C are matches against Lesotho (away) and Benin Republic (home), with both games now framed as must-win fixtures.
