Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has launched a fresh attack on the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), declaring that although he remains eager to serve Nigerian football, he will not return under the current administration.
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The former Chelsea midfielder revealed that he has received several approaches to become involved with the federation but has repeatedly turned them down because he believes the current leadership lacks both the vision and competence needed to move Nigerian football forward.
Speaking on The Peter Crouch Podcast, Mikel accused the current football administrators of failing to develop the game despite remaining in office for years, insisting meaningful progress cannot be achieved without significant leadership changes.
“I’ve had opportunities to come back and work with the federation, but not with the people who are there now. I can’t work with people who don’t share the same vision of developing Nigerian football,” Mikel said.
The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner stressed that his criticism stems from a desire to see Nigerian football return to the summit of African and world football rather than from personal grievances.
Mikel, who earned 91 caps for Nigeria and captained the Super Eagles before retiring from international football in 2019, said he remains committed to contributing his experience in administration, player development or any role capable of driving lasting change.
“I want to help because I care deeply about Nigerian football. But until the right people are in charge and there is a genuine commitment to progress, I’ll stay away,” he added.
His latest comments come just months before the Nigeria Football Federation’s elective congress, where several former internationals and football stakeholders are expected to seek leadership positions amid growing calls for reforms within the country’s football administration.
While Mikel has ruled out working with the current leadership, his remarks leave little doubt that he intends to remain actively involved in Nigerian football in the future—provided the environment aligns with the vision he believes the game deserves.
