Former Nigerian national team captain, John Obi Mikel, has issued a strong warning regarding the future of Nigerian football, stating that a complete overhaul of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) leadership is necessary should the Super Eagles fail to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. This comes after a series of disappointing results in the qualifying campaign, leaving Nigeria’s chances of participating in the tournament hanging precariously. Mikel’s ultimatum underscores the gravity of the situation and the deep-seated frustrations surrounding the national team’s performance. The Super Eagles, a team with a rich footballing history and considered a powerhouse in African football, are on the verge of missing their second consecutive World Cup, a scenario deemed unacceptable by many, including Mikel.
The Super Eagles’ qualifying campaign has been fraught with inconsistencies and tactical uncertainties, leading to two wins out of eight matches. The team has seen three different coaches at the helm during this period, the latest being Eric Chelle, whose tenure has also failed to produce the desired results. A recent 1-1 draw against South Africa further dimmed Nigeria’s hopes, placing them third in Group C, six points behind the leaders, South Africa, and three points behind second-placed Benin Republic. This precarious position means Nigeria’s qualification is no longer in their own hands, relying on other results to go their way.
Mikel, a seasoned veteran with vast experience playing at the highest levels, believes that the responsibility for this potential failure lies squarely with the NFF leadership, currently headed by Ibrahim Gusau. He argues that the repeated failure to qualify for the World Cup points to a systemic problem within the NFF, requiring a radical shift in leadership and approach. The former captain emphasized that being Africa’s largest footballing nation demands consistently high performance, and missing two consecutive World Cups is simply unacceptable. He called for drastic changes, including the possibility of government intervention, to rectify the situation.
While the players bear some responsibility for the on-field performances, Mikel argues that the primary issue stems from the top. He suggests that the NFF has failed to create a motivating environment for the players and has not provided the necessary support structure for success. He calls for greater accountability from the NFF leadership and believes that a complete overhaul of the board is necessary if Nigeria fails to qualify. He stressed that the dream of qualifying is not yet dead, urging support for the team in their remaining two matches. However, he reiterated that failure to qualify must be met with decisive action, starting with the removal of the current NFF board.
The qualification scenario for Nigeria remains complex and depends on a combination of their own results and the outcome of other matches. A potential three-point deduction for South Africa, for fielding an ineligible player, could drastically alter the group dynamics and potentially open a pathway for Nigeria. However, even with this deduction, Nigeria’s fate is intertwined with Benin Republic, whom they face in their final qualifying match. If South Africa avoids the points deduction, a single point from their remaining match against Zimbabwe would seal Nigeria’s fate, confirming their absence from the 2026 World Cup.
This situation amplifies the urgency of Mikel’s call for change. The potential for another World Cup absence represents a significant setback for Nigerian football and underlines the deep-seated concerns about the NFF’s ability to effectively manage the national team. The pressure is now firmly on the Super Eagles to perform in their remaining matches and on the NFF to address the underlying issues that have plagued the team’s qualifying campaign. The coming weeks will be crucial for the future of Nigerian football, as the nation waits to see whether the Super Eagles can defy the odds and secure their place at the 2026 World Cup, or whether Mikel’s call for a radical overhaul of the NFF will come to fruition.
