A former captain of the Super Eagles, Mikel Obi, has urged that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board be disbanded if the national team fails to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the next World Cup appear slim after a 1-1 draw with South Africa in Group C of the qualification tournament.
Currently, the Super Eagles sit third in the group standings, six points behind leaders Bafana Bafana, with only two matches remaining.
Mikel believes the root of Nigeria’s struggles lies with the football administrators’ failure to properly manage the sport.
Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, he said, “If Nigeria doesn’t qualify for the World Cup, the entire NFF board has to go… it’s unacceptable.”
Reflecting on the recent past, Mikel added, “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. It is just horrible.”
While emphasizing that players must take responsibility for their performances, Mikel was quick to dismiss the idea that they alone are to blame.
“Do you blame the players? No, I don’t blame the players. Yes, the players have to take responsibility for the situation but are you gonna blame the players alone? No.”
He also lamented how repeated disappointments have affected the reputation of African football globally, saying, “Again, we talk about it so many times, and that’s why you have people disrespect the African continent and football.”
Currently, Nigeria has accumulated 11 points from eight matches, trailing South Africa by six points.
With just two games left in the qualifiers, an away game against Lesotho followed by a home fixture versus Benin Republic, the Super Eagles face a tough challenge to secure a playoff spot as one of the best four runners-up in Africa.
Mikel insists those in charge of Nigerian football must be held accountable for the poor performances.
“Yes, the players have to take responsibility but the biggest challenge is from the top,” the former Chelsea and Lyn Oslo midfielder stated.
If Nigeria wins its remaining games and other results go their way, the three-time African champions might still clinch a place in the World Cup playoff round.
