Mikel joins Oliseh, says: NFF must go!

Chelsea legend, Mikel Obi has made a bold and emotional call for sweeping changes at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), following the Super Eagles’ faltering 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Speaking on his Obi One Podcast, the former national team captain didn’t hold back.

‘If we don’t qualify for the World Cup, the whole board of the NFF… they need to go. Sorry, they have to go. It’s not acceptable,’ he said and becomes the second former Nigeria star to make the call after Sunday Oliseh.

Nigeria, currently third in Group C and trailing South Africa, now faces the grim prospect of missing a second consecutive World Cup.

Mikel, visibly frustrated, emphasized that while players share some responsibility, the failure lies squarely at the top.

‘Yes, the players have to take responsibility, but the biggest problem is from the top. You have to get those guys motivated, find a conducive way for them to play for Nigeria. Right now, nobody is making that comfortable.’

He urged the federal government to step in and investigate why the country, widely regarded as Africa’s football powerhouse, is on the brink of another global absence.

Mikel’s passion for Nigeria was unmistakable.

‘I love Nigeria. When you talk about Chelsea, it’s the same way. The problem is 100% from the top,’ he insisted.