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Ex- Super Eagles’ Mikel Obi demands that NFF be dissolved should Nigeria miss the 2026 World Cup.
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The former Chelsea star blames leadership over players.
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Nigeria must win and rely on other results to qualify.
Former Super Eagles and Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi has told the country’s football bosses to go if Nigeria fail to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, arguing that mismanagement at the top is to blame for the Super Eagles’ shaky qualifying run.
Also Read: After Mikel Obi, Another Former Chelsea Player Retires From Football
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The former captain spoke bluntly after Nigeria drew 1-1 with South Africa, a result that leaves the side third in Group C and staring at a steep climb with just two matches remaining.
“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.” – the 38-year-old added.
Mikel Obi did not spare the players either, but he framed the problem as structural rather than purely technical.
“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 disrespecting the African continent and football.”
https://www.channelstv.com/2025/09/11/dissolve-nff-if-nigeria-dont-make-2026-world-cup-mikel-obi/
“Yes, the players have to take responsibility but the biggest challenge is from the top,” – the ex-Lyn Oslo star said.
Nigeria sit on 11 points after eight games, six behind leaders South Africa, and face Lesotho away before hosting Benin Republic next month.
For the Super Eagles, winning both fixtures is a must; even then, they will need favourable results elsewhere to secure one of the best second-place spots and a place in the playoff round.
