Nigeria TV Info

Mikel Obi Calls for NFF Disbandment if Nigeria Misses 2026 World Cup

Former Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, has called for the disbandment of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) if the national team fails to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Nigeria’s qualification hopes are hanging by a thread after a 1-1 draw against South Africa in the Group C qualifiers left the Super Eagles sitting third on the table—six points behind leaders Bafana Bafana—with only two matches left to play.

Mikel, speaking on the situation, did not hold back in his criticism of the NFF. He blamed the federation’s disorganization and poor leadership for the team’s struggles on the pitch.

“The problem is not the players, it is the leadership,” Mikel said. “If the NFF cannot put its house in order, then it has no business leading Nigerian football. If we fail to qualify, they should be disbanded completely.”

The former Chelsea midfielder added that Nigerian football’s woes stem from a lack of accountability and transparency within the federation, stressing that the only way forward is a complete overhaul.

As the clock ticks towards the final qualifying rounds, Nigeria’s chances of reaching the 2026 World Cup appear slimmer than ever, sparking concerns that the country could miss football’s biggest stage for the second consecutive time.