Former Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, has urged that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) be dissolved if the national team fails to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria’s qualification hopes are hanging by a thread after the Eagles drew with South Africa in a crucial Group C clash. The result left Nigeria in third place with 11 points, trailing the Bafana Bafana by six points, with just two fixtures left in the qualifiers.
Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, the former Chelsea midfielder criticised the NFF’s leadership and said the current crisis reflects years of poor governance and lack of accountability.
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“If Nigeria doesn’t qualify for the World Cup, the entire NFF board has to go. It’s unacceptable,” Mikel said. “We didn’t qualify for Qatar, and now it looks like again we are not going to make it. Honestly, I have nothing to say about it. It’s just horrible.”
The ex-captain stressed that while players should take some responsibility, the greater failure lies with those running football in the country.
“Do you blame the players? No, I don’t. Yes, the players have to take responsibility, but are you going to blame them alone? No. The biggest challenge is from the top,” Mikel added.
Mikel also lamented that the mismanagement of football in Nigeria continues to fuel global disrespect toward African football. He insisted those at the helm of the NFF must be held accountable if the Eagles fall short again.
The Super Eagles’ path to qualification remains slim. With two matches left — an away fixture against Lesotho and a home clash with the Benin Republic — Nigeria must win both games and rely on favourable results elsewhere to stand a chance of advancing as one of the four best second-placed teams for a playoff spot.
According to a 9am News report, anything less than maximum points from the final two matches could see Nigeria miss consecutive World Cups for the first time in decades, a scenario that would intensify calls for sweeping reforms in Nigerian football governance.
Mikel Obi urges NFF disbandment if Nigeria fails to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, blaming poor leadership for the Eagles’ struggles.
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