Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) leadership to resign if the national team fail to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria currently sit third in Group C of the African qualifiers with 11 points from eight matches. South Africa top the group on 17 points, while Benin are second with 14. With only two games left and six points available, Nigeria’s chances of reaching the United States and Mexico are slim.
Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, Mikel admitted he was hurt by the prospect of Nigeria missing out again.
“I feel for the people of my country because they are going to be devastated right now,” he said.
Mikel Obi in action against Iceland at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Photo Credit: Getty Images
The former Chelsea midfielder stressed that a second straight absence from the World Cup would be unacceptable.
Former Super Eagles captain & Chelsea Legend Mikel Obi, calls for the head of Nigeria Football Federation executives on his Obione Podcast pic.twitter.com/gBw90snQ5g
— Mmenyeneabasi Akpan (@MmenyeneSF) September 12, 2025
“For the second time running, we are not gonna be qualifying for the World Cup. Things have to change if we don’t make it to the World Cup.”
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Mikel placed responsibility firmly at the top, saying the federation had failed to create a structure for success.
“I just think the whole NFF board need to go, they have to go,” he declared.
“I’m saying this because it’s not acceptable. Twice in a row, we won’t qualify for the World Cup when we are the biggest football country in Africa, forget what any other person says.”
Mikel Obi in action against Croatia at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Photo Credit: Getty Images
The 38-year-old urged the Nigerian government to step in if the Super Eagles miss out.
“If we’ve not qualified twice in a row, then something is wrong certainly. A drastic change has to be done, the government have to get involved.”
While stressing that players must also take responsibility, Mikel insisted the “biggest problem is from the top”.
“When I talk like this, it is because I love Nigeria. The problem has to be from the top. They don’t make the players comfortable.”
Mikel’s international legacy
Mikel represented Nigeria across youth and senior levels for over a decade. He starred at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship, winning the Silver Ball as the second-best player behind Lionel Messi as Nigeria finished runners-up to Argentina.
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He made his Super Eagles debut later that year in a friendly against Libya and went on to win 91 caps (6 goals) – a tally surpassed by only three players at the time of his retirement.
Mikel Obi celebrating winning Olympic bronze medal for Nigeria at the Sumer games in 2016. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Mikel was also instrumental in Nigeria’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations triumph, earning a place in CAF’s Team of the Tournament alongside Vincent Enyeama, Efe Ambrose, Victor Moses and Emmanuel Emenike.
He capped his career with an Olympic bronze medal at Rio 2016.
Despite his frustrations, Mikel called for fans to rally behind the Super Eagles for their final two qualifying matches.
“With two games left, we just have to support the team,” he added.
