Mikel Obi has revealed the challenges he faced due to corruption within the Nigerian Football Federation NFF during the Rio 2016 Olympics, where he captained Nigeria to a bronze medal. In a candid discussion on his “ObiOne Podcast,” Mikel shared the struggles he encountered, including the NFF’s failure to organise flights for the team to Brazil, which led to him paying for the entire team’s travel.
Mikel also spoke about the substandard accommodation provided for the team, which forced him to stay at his hotel to ensure a better environment for performance. He criticised the NFF for mismanaging funds and failing to support the players properly, stating that only 10% of the released money was used, with the rest allegedly shared among officials.
Mikel urged the appointment of former players, such as Kanu and Jay-Jay Okocha, to run football in Nigeria, as they understand the demands and sacrifices involved in representing the country. He called for an overhaul of the system to eliminate corruption and improve conditions for players.
Editorial
Mikel Obi’s revelations about the chaos surrounding Nigeria’s participation in the Rio 2016 Olympics should not come as a surprise to anyone familiar with the long-standing issues within the Nigerian Football Federation NFF. His account of paying for his teammates’ travel and seeking alternative accommodation due to poor arrangements underscores the deep-rooted problems in the Nigerian football administration.
We share Mikel’s frustration. It is unacceptable that players, who dedicate their careers to representing their country, are subjected to such disorganisation and neglect. The systemic corruption within the NFF is detrimental to the players’ morale and tarnishes the country’s image in the global football community. How can we expect our athletes to perform at their best when they are burdened with the responsibility of covering costs that should be handled by the federation?
Mikel’s call for the appointment of former players to leadership roles in the NFF is a sensible suggestion. Who better to run the sport than those who have experienced the highs and lows of playing at the highest level? People like Kanu, Okocha, and Mikel have earned the right to lead the charge for change in Nigerian football. They understand what it takes to succeed on the international stage, and their involvement could bring much needed credibility and expertise to the administration.
As Nigerian football fans, we must support calls for reform. The NFF needs a complete overhaul, and it begins with bringing in people who genuinely care about the sport and the players. Only then can we restore pride to Nigerian football and provide our athletes with the support they need to achieve greatness.
Did You Know?
- Mikel Obi led Nigeria to a bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics, despite significant logistical challenges.
- Mikel was capped at U17, U20, U23, and senior levels for Nigeria, including captaining the Super Eagles at the 2018 World Cup.
- The NFF was accused of mismanaging funds allocated for the Rio Olympics, with only a fraction of the budget reportedly reaching the team.
- Mikel’s intervention, including paying for the team’s flight to Brazil, ensured Nigeria’s participation in the Rio Olympics.
- Several former Nigerian footballers, including Kanu and Jay Jay Okocha, have been suggested by Mikel as potential leaders to bring reform to Nigerian football governance.
