Mikel Obi calls for radical overhaul of Nigerian football, demands NFF board resignation

Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has called for sweeping reforms in Nigerian football, urging changes in the leadership and administration of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) amid growing concerns over the direction of the game.

Mikel’s statement comes as Nigerian football faces a sustained decline, with the Super Eagles missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup after failing to qualify for the previous edition in Qatar.

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The former Chelsea midfielder said the country cannot afford another failure to book the World Cup and called for the appointment of capable administrators who can rebuild the football system.

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Speaking on the Joy Sports podcast in Ghana at the weekend, Mikel said the NFF needs new ideas and leadership capable of taking Nigerian football forward.

“We want changes in the Nigeria Football Federation because we want to grow our football,” Mikel said.

“We haven’t qualified for the past two World Cups, which is a shame. We cannot allow that to happen a third time.

“We have to ensure we get the right people to run Nigerian football to grow and be better.”

Mikel demands leadership change

Under the leadership of Ibrahim Musa Gusau, the NFF has faced increasing scrutiny over the performance of the national teams and concerns surrounding the administration and development of Nigerian football.

The Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the expanded 2026 World Cup has intensified the debate over the effectiveness of the country’s football…