Former Super Eagles captain, John Obi Mikel, has issued a stark warning to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF): resign if Nigeria fails to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Speaking with palpable frustration on his podcast, Mikel expressed his deep concern for the Nigerian people, who he believes would be devastated by a second consecutive absence from the world’s biggest football stage. He emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that missing the 2026 World Cup should trigger significant changes within the NFF, holding the board directly accountable for the team’s potential failure. Mikel believes that the current leadership has failed to create a conducive environment for the players, hindering their performance and ultimately jeopardizing Nigeria’s chances of qualification.
Mikel’s critique extends beyond the immediate disappointment of potentially missing the World Cup. He questions the underlying structure and leadership within Nigerian football, arguing that a nation with such a rich footballing history and immense talent pool should not be struggling to secure a place at the global tournament. He highlights the need for drastic changes, emphasizing that accountability must start at the top. The former Chelsea midfielder’s call for the entire NFF board to resign if Nigeria fails to qualify underscores his belief that the current leadership is incapable of leading the Super Eagles back to international prominence. He suggests that the issues plaguing Nigerian football run deep, requiring a fundamental shift in approach and governance.
Central to Mikel’s argument is the perceived lack of support and motivation provided to the players. He criticizes the atmosphere surrounding the national team, asserting that players are not given the necessary comfort and encouragement when they return home for international duty. This lack of a conducive environment, he argues, negatively impacts their performance and contributes to the team’s struggles. Mikel stresses the importance of creating an environment where players feel valued, motivated, and proud to represent their nation. While acknowledging the players’ responsibility for their performance on the field, he maintains that the root of the problem lies with the leadership’s failure to create a supportive and inspiring atmosphere.
Mikel’s frustration extends beyond the NFF, hinting at the possibility of government intervention. He suggests that the situation may require intervention from higher authorities to address the systemic issues within Nigerian football. This call for government involvement underscores the seriousness of the situation and the perceived need for external intervention to rectify the problems plaguing the sport. While expressing his disappointment and concern, Mikel also appeals to Nigerian fans to continue supporting the Super Eagles despite the challenges. He emphasizes that the dream of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup is not yet over and urges fans to rally behind the team during the remaining qualifying matches.
Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar casts a long shadow over the current campaign. The painful defeat against Ghana in the final qualifying round exposed weaknesses within the team and triggered widespread criticism of the NFF. This disappointment serves as a stark reminder of the stakes involved in the 2026 qualifiers and fuels Mikel’s call for accountability. The 2026 qualifying journey has been a rollercoaster ride for Nigeria. Early victories provided a glimmer of hope, but inconsistent performances and crucial dropped points have left their qualification hopes hanging in the balance. The team’s struggles highlight the challenges they face in a competitive group and underscore the urgency of Mikel’s call for change.
With crucial matches remaining against Lesotho and Benin, Nigeria’s fate hangs precariously. The Super Eagles must secure maximum points from these encounters and hope for favorable results elsewhere to keep their World Cup dream alive. The pressure is mounting on the players and the NFF, with Mikel’s warning serving as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of failure. The coming weeks will be decisive for Nigerian football, determining whether the Super Eagles can overcome the obstacles and secure their place at the 2026 World Cup or face the repercussions of a second consecutive absence from the global stage, potentially triggering the significant leadership changes advocated by Mikel.
