Former Super Eagles midfielder Mikel Obi has made a stunning revelation about his experience with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF). According to Mikel, he is still owed reimbursement for funding the Nigerian U23 Olympic football team’s trip to the Rio 2016 Olympics.
“I used my own money to help fund the Nigerian Super Eagles’ trip to the 2016 Rio Olympics, and till this day, the federation has not given me anything back,” Mikel said.
Mikel recounted how the team was stranded at the airport due to the government’s and NFF’s failure to release funds on time. “In 2016, the Nigerian national football team was stranded at the airport en route to the Rio Olympics,” he said.
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“Although the budget had been approved, the funds were withheld by the official responsible, leaving the team without resources to travel.” Mikel stepped in to save the day, paying for the team’s travel expenses out of his own pocket. “I paid for the plane, and up till now, I haven’t been reimbursed,” Mikel said.
Mikel Obi won bronze with the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the 2016 Olympics
Despite leading Nigeria to a podium finish, winning a bronze medal, Mikel’s efforts were not appreciated, and he was left to bear the financial burden alone. “They think, ‘It’s Mikel, he can afford it,'” Mikel said. “But it’s not about that—it’s the principle, the respect.”
Mikel’s revelation highlights the systemic corruption and mismanagement in Nigerian football administration. “A budget was signed by the government, but someone sat on that money and didn’t release it,” he said.
Mikel’s experience has raised questions about the NFF’s handling of funds and its treatment of players.
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Many are calling for the government to take action and ensure that Mikel is reimbursed for his expenses. The incident has also highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in Nigerian football, to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. As Mikel said, “I did it for the boys and the country… but the corruption and mismanagement remain frustrating.”
As Mikel said, “Wishing all the African countries at the FIFA Club World Cup success,” it is time for Nigerian football to take a step forward and address its challenges.
