Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has launched a scathing attack on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), declaring the body should be disbanded if the national team fails to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mikel’s outburst comes in the wake of Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with South Africa in Bloemfontein, a result that leaves the Eagles’ qualification hopes hanging by a thread. With two matches remaining in Group C, Nigeria trail leaders South Africa by six points. The Bafana Bafana sit on 17 points, while Nigeria are tied on 11 points with Benin Republic, who still have a game in hand.
World Cup Hopes in Jeopardy
The Super Eagles, who failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after losing to Ghana in the playoff round, now face the very real possibility of missing back-to-back tournaments. For Mikel, one of Nigeria’s most decorated players, such an outcome would be intolerable.
Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, the former Chelsea midfielder made clear his stance: “If Nigeria doesn’t qualify for the World Cup, the entire NFF board has to go… it’s unacceptable.”
Mikel, who earned 91 caps for Nigeria and played at two World Cups, expressed frustration at what he sees as chronic mismanagement at the administrative level. “We didn’t qualify for Qatar — the last World Cup — and now it looks like again we are not going to make it. Honestly, I have nothing to say about it,” he added, his tone underscoring his exasperation.
Criticism of NFF’s Handling
The NFF has long been criticised for its handling of coaching appointments, player welfare, and logistical planning. Mikel’s comments add to a chorus of voices demanding accountability amid what many consider a golden generation of talent underperforming on the international stage.
The 1-1 draw in South Africa epitomised the Eagles’ struggles. Despite taking an early lead, defensive lapses allowed the hosts to claw back, leaving Nigeria once again short of crucial points. The result mirrors earlier stumbles in the campaign, where dropped points against lower-ranked sides compounded the team’s woes.
Mikel’s frustration stems not only from on-field failures but also from what he perceives as systemic failings off the pitch. He suggested that only wholesale changes at the administrative level can put Nigerian football back on the right path.
Historical Context
Nigeria has missed just one World Cup since making its debut at USA ’94. That absence came in 2006, a painful blow for a nation accustomed to competing on the global stage. Failing to qualify for consecutive editions in 2022 and 2026 would mark one of the lowest points in the country’s football history.
For Mikel, who captained the side at the 2018 tournament in Russia, that possibility is unthinkable. His comments reflect both personal disappointment and the frustrations of millions of Nigerian supporters.
What Next for the Eagles?
With two matches left, Nigeria’s fate is still mathematically alive but increasingly precarious. They must win both remaining fixtures while hoping South Africa stumble. Benin Republic, level on points with Nigeria but with a game in hand, also represent a serious threat.
The NFF has urged calm, stressing confidence in the team’s ability to rally. Yet Mikel’s intervention has added pressure to the already intense spotlight on the federation.
Calls for Accountability
This is not the first time Nigerian football legends have called for reform. Past players, including Jay-Jay Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu, have raised concerns about governance and the direction of the sport. However, Mikel’s demand for outright disbandment of the NFF, should qualification hopes collapse, represents one of the strongest statements yet from a former captain.
As the decisive fixtures loom, the stakes could not be higher. For the players, qualification remains the priority. For the administrators, survival could depend on it. And for Nigerian fans, Mikel’s warning echoes their own frustrations: failure is no longer an option.
