Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has called for the immediate sack of all the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board if the country fails to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria’s qualification campaign is on the brink after a 1–1 draw with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana left the Eagles third in Group C, trailing the leaders by six points with just two matches remaining.
Unacceptable Failure
Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, the ex-Chelsea midfielder expressed frustration at Nigeria’s declining football performance.
“If Nigeria doesn’t qualify for the World Cup, the entire NFF board has to go… it’s unacceptable,” Mikel said.
The 2013 AFCON winner recalled that the Super Eagles already missed the 2022 Qatar World Cup, and now risk back-to-back failures.
“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 is just horrible,” he added.
Mikel stressed that while players share responsibility, the larger issue lies with football administrators.
“Do you blame the players? No. Yes, the players have to take responsibility for the situation but the biggest challenge is from the top,” he said.
Nigeria’s Slim Qualification Chances
The Super Eagles currently sit on 11 points after eight games, needing victories against Lesotho (away) and Benin Republic (home), plus favourable results in other groups, to stand a chance of qualifying through the playoffs as one of Africa’s four best runners-up.
Mikel argued that poor governance by the NFF continues to damage Nigeria’s football reputation internationally.
“We talk about it so many times, and that’s why people disrespect African football. Accountability has to start from the top,” he stated.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature 48 teams, including nine slots for Africa.