Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has renewed his call for major changes within the Nigeria Football Federation, insisting that those responsible for Nigeria’s repeated World Cup failures should leave their positions.
Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, missing the tournament for a second consecutive edition after previously failing to reach Qatar 2022. Mikel has argued that two successive failures should trigger serious accountability at the top of Nigerian football.
The former Chelsea midfielder believes the problem goes beyond the players and coaching staff, pointing to the administration and structures responsible for running the game.
“Those responsible need to leave. We cannot keep missing World Cups and expect nothing to change.”
Mikel has previously revealed that he turned down approaches to become involved with the NFF because he did not believe he could work effectively within the existing system. He has criticised what he sees as long-serving officials controlling positions of influence without producing the improvements Nigerian football requires.
The former captain has also called for the Nigerian government to investigate the circumstances surrounding the country’s World Cup qualification failure, particularly given the talent available to the Super Eagles.
Nigeria’s failure has intensified calls for reform ahead of the forthcoming NFF elections, with several former internationals and football stakeholders demanding changes to the federation’s leadership and electoral structure.
‘Nigeria Is Being Left Behind’
Mikel’s concerns extend beyond the World Cup qualification campaign.
He believes other African countries are developing stronger football structures while Nigeria continues to rely heavily on the quality of its players competing abroad.
The former midfielder has argued that Nigeria has the talent to compete at the highest level but lacks the administrative organisation and long-term planning required to consistently convert that talent into success with the national teams.
His position has also received support from other former internationals, although some stakeholders have urged critics such as Mikel to move beyond criticism and provide practical solutions for rebuilding the system.
The pressure on the NFF has increased further following the Super Falcons’ historic failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, meaning both Nigeria’s men’s and women’s senior teams will miss their respective World Cups.
Recent assessments of Nigerian football have similarly highlighted the need for stronger governance, coaching stability, a clear national football identity and sustained grassroots development.
Mikel believes urgent action is required before Nigeria enters another World Cup qualification cycle.
*The former Super Eagles captain’s message is that another missed World Cup cannot be treated as business as usual; accountability and structural reform must follow.
