Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has denounced Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as an “absolute shame.” The ex-Chelsea midfielder emphasized this disappointment remains unforgivable regardless of potential AFCON success.
“Does AFCON victory make up for missing the World Cup? I don’t think so,” Obi stated. “We must see Nigeria at the World Cup. I previously declared: if we fail to qualify, the entire NFF board must go. Repeated failures demand accountability.”
He criticized Nigeria Football Federation leadership for chronic administrative lapses. “Identical actions by the same people yield identical failures. Granting them another opportunity is unacceptable,” Obi asserted.
The football legend lamented Nigerian fans being deprived of watching star striker Victor Osimhen compete globally. “It’s shameful our best African striker in his prime won’t showcase his talent at the World Cup,” Obi remarked.
Comparing Nigeria’s situation to Erling Haaland’s absence with Norway, he added: “Top strikers belong at the World Cup. Our best deserves that platform to represent Nigeria and Africa.”
With AFCON approaching, Obi demanded urgent reforms: “Changes must happen immediately before the tournament. Current leadership guarantees repeated failure.” He reiterated his call for the NFF board’s resignation.
“Their mandate was World Cup qualification. They failed completely. Maintaining this board ensures continued disappointment,” the former captain concluded.
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