Mikel Obi Calls for Sack of Entire NFF Board if Nigeria Fails to Qualify for 2026 World Cup

Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has issued a stern warning to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), demanding the immediate removal of the entire board if Nigeria fails to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Nigeria’s qualification hopes are hanging by a thread after a disappointing 1–1 draw with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana left the Super Eagles third in Group C. With just two matches remaining, they trail the group leaders by six points.

### **"It’s Unacceptable" — Mikel Speaks Out**

Speaking on his **Obi One Podcast**, the former Chelsea midfielder didn’t mince words in expressing his frustration with the current state of Nigerian football.

> “If Nigeria doesn’t qualify for the World Cup, the entire NFF board has to go… It’s unacceptable,” Mikel said.

The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner also reminded fans and stakeholders that Nigeria had already failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and now faces the possibility of missing out on back-to-back tournaments.

> “We didn’t qualify for Qatar, and now it looks like again we are not going to make it. Honestly, I have nothing to say about it. It is just horrible,” he added.

Accountability Starts at the Top

While acknowledging that players also bear some responsibility, Mikel was clear that the core issues stem from poor leadership and governance within the NFF.

> “Do you blame the players? No. Yes, the players have to take responsibility for the situation, but the biggest challenge is from the top,” he stated.

He added that the ongoing dysfunction at the administrative level is harming Nigeria’s football reputation globally.

“We talk about it so many times, and that’s why people disrespect African football. Accountability has to start from the top.”

Slim Chances for Qualification**

Nigeria currently sits on 11 points after eight matches and must win their remaining games against Lesotho (away) and Benin Republic (home). They also need favourable results from other groups to qualify through the playoff round as one of Africa’s four best runners-up.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is the first to feature 48 teams, with Africa allocated nine qualification slots.

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