ICYMI: NFF board must go if Super Eagles miss 2026 World Cup — Mikel

Former Nigeria captain, John Mikel Obi, has called for the dissolution of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board if the Super Eagles fail to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Nigeria are on the verge of failing to qualify for the 2026 Mundial after a 1-1 draw against South Africa left the Eagles third in Group C, six points behind leaders Bafana Bafana with just two games remaining.

The three-time African champions had also missed the 2022 edition after playing a 1-1 draw against the Black Stars of Ghana in their final playoff.

Mikel, 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner blamed Nigeria’s struggles on the football body’s poor leadership.

“If Nigeria doesn’t qualify for the World Cup, the entire NFF board has to go… it’s unacceptable,” the former Chelsea star said on the Obi One Podcast.

“We didn’t qualify for Qatar — the last World Cup — 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. Do you blame the players? No, I don’t blame the players. Yes, the players have to take responsibility for the situation but are you gonna blame the players alone? No.

“Again, we talk about it so many times, and that’s why you have people disrespect the African continent and football.”

Mikel stressed that those running Nigerian football must be held “accountable” for the poor state of the team.

“Yes, the players have to take responsibility but the biggest challenge is from the top,” he added.

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