Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has said all the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) leaders should be sacked if Nigeria fails to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria in Trouble
The Super Eagles are in danger after playing 1–1 with South Africa. That result left Nigeria third in Group C, six points behind the leaders, with only two games left to play.
Mikel Calls It “Unacceptable”
Speaking on his Obi One Podcast, the ex-Chelsea star said he is not happy with how Nigerian football is going.
“If Nigeria doesn’t qualify for the World Cup, the whole NFF board must go… it’s unacceptable,” Mikel said.
He reminded fans that Nigeria already missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and now it looks like the same thing might happen again.
“We didn’t qualify for Qatar, and now it looks like again we won’t make it. It’s horrible,” he added.
Who Is to Blame?
Mikel said players share some responsibility, but the main problem is the way football is managed in Nigeria.
“Do you blame the players? No. Yes, they must take responsibility, but the biggest challenge is from the top,” he said.
Can Nigeria Still Qualify?
The Super Eagles now have 11 points from 8 games. To qualify, they must:
Beat Lesotho (away) and Benin Republic (home).
Hope other group results go their way.
Try to reach the playoffs as one of Africa’s four best second-place teams.
Bad Leadership Hurts Nigeria
Mikel said bad governance in Nigerian football makes the country lose respect in the world.
“That’s why people disrespect African football. Accountability must start from the top,” he said.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, with nine African countries expected to qualify.
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