Mikel Calls for NFF Resignation After Nigeria’s World Cup Failure
Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has made a strong call for the resignation of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) leadership following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 2026 edition will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but Nigeria will not be part of the tournament for the second consecutive time.
A Setback for African Football
Speaking on talkSPORT, Mikel expressed his frustration, stating that Nigeria’s absence from the World Cup is a significant blow for the country, which has one of the largest football fanbases in Africa. “It’s a hammer blow,” Mikel said. “When you have a country as big as we do, over 300 million people, and we are not going to the World Cup again, the FA, the people running the FA, should all resign.”
The defeat in the African qualifiers has led to increased criticism of the NFF and its handling of the national football scene. Mikel, who enjoyed a successful international career with the Super Eagles, emphasized the importance of the team’s success on the continental stage and the disappointment of missing the World Cup once again.
Mikel’s Frustration: A National Disappointment
Mikel continued, “We have one of the best teams in Africa, and we are not going to the World Cup. It’s a disaster.” The Super Eagles have not qualified for the World Cup since 2018, and the failure to secure a place for the 2026 tournament has left many Nigerians frustrated.
Despite Mikel’s strong statements, there is a glimmer of hope for Nigeria. According to Naija News, the Nigeria Football Federation has filed a petition with FIFA, accusing the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) of fielding ineligible players during the 2025 African playoff final. If the petition is successful, Nigeria could still have a chance to qualify through the intercontinental playoff later this month in Mexico.
Mikel’s Call for Change
Mikel’s demand for NFF’s leadership to step down highlights the growing unrest in the country’s football scene. His comments reflect the frustration felt by many Nigerian football fans who are disappointed by the leadership’s inability to guide the national team back to the World Cup.
The outcome of FIFA’s investigation into DRC’s eligibility could be pivotal in determining Nigeria’s World Cup fate, but Mikel’s call for change within the NFF shows the underlying tension and the need for reform within the country’s football governance.
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