Ex-Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi has insisted that the Nigeria Football Federation board must resign should the country fail to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
On Thursday, speaking on the Obi One Podcast, the former Chelsea midfielder cautioned that failing to qualify for the World Cup for a second consecutive time would be a huge disappointment for Nigerians.
“I feel for the people of my country. I feel for people in Nigeria because they’re going to be devastated right now. For the second time running, we’re not going to qualify for the World Cup. Does anything change if you don’t? Oh, man. It has to. It has to,” he said.
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Mikel emphasised that accountability should begin at the highest level, asserting that the officials overseeing Nigerian football cannot retain their positions if the Super Eagles fail to qualify again.
“If we don’t make it to the World Cup, I just think the whole board of the NFF needs to go. Twice in a row we don’t qualify, something is wrong. A drastic change has to be done,” he declared.
The ex-Super Eagles captain contended that, given Nigeria’s rich footballing history, the nation should not face difficulties in making an appearance on the global stage.
“We are the biggest footballing country in Africa. I don’t care what anybody says. Nigeria is the biggest when it comes to African football. So if twice in a row we don’t qualify, something is definitely wrong,” he maintained.
Mikel also condemned the conditions within the national team setup, highlighting that players often lack proper motivation and a conducive environment whenever they come home for international duty.
“You have to make those players motivated, find a conducive way. When they come back home to play for Nigeria, they have to feel comfortable. And right now, nobody’s making that comfortable for them,” he lamented.
Acknowledging the role of the players, Mikel maintained that the core issue stems from leadership. He also hinted that government involvement might be necessary to reverse the decline.
“Yes, the players have to take responsibility, but the biggest problem is from the top. From the top. If the government want to get involved, they have to get involved because it’s not acceptable,” he said.
Despite his disappointment, the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner urged fans to keep supporting the team, noting that hopes of qualification are still intact.
“The dream’s not dead in Berlin yet. It’s not dead yet. We have two games left and we have to still support the team. But if we don’t make it, massive, drastic change has to be done. The whole board of the NFF has to go,” he warned.
Nigeria’s inability to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar remains a major setback. The Super Eagles were knocked out by Ghana in March 2022 following a 1-1 draw in Abuja, with the Black Stars advancing on the away goals rule.
The setback sparked intense criticism of the Nigeria Football Federation’s leadership.
The 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign has shown some progress but continues to be demanding. Nigeria is drawn in Group C with South Africa, Benin, Rwanda, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe. The group winner will secure direct qualification, while the runner-up could advance to a playoff.
Nigeria secured their first win in the 2026 qualifiers in March 2025, defeating Rwanda 2-0 away in Kigali, with Victor Osimhen scoring both goals. However, their momentum was stalled by a 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe in Uyo, as they conceded an equalizer in stoppage time.
On September 9, 2025, Nigeria drew 1-1 with South Africa in Bloemfontein, bringing their total to 11 points from eight matches, while South Africa tops the group with 17 points.
Benin sits on 14 points following a win over Lesotho, while Rwanda has 11 points. Both Lesotho and Zimbabwe have been eliminated from World Cup contention.
With just two matches remaining—away to Lesotho and at home against Benin—Nigeria’s bid for the 2026 World Cup is still alive, but it hinges on securing maximum points and favourable results from other fixtures.
