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

John Mikel Obi, Former Nigeria's Super Eagle's Captain

 Mikel Obi’s Ultimatum: Disband the NFF if Nigeria Misses the 2026 World Cup

In a scathing rebuke of Nigeria’s football administration, former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has called for the complete dissolution of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) should the national team fail to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking candidly on his Obi One Podcast, the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner expressed deep frustration over the Super Eagles’ faltering qualification campaign, which has left the team six points adrift of Group C leaders South Africa with only two matches remaining.

Nigeria’s recent 1–1 draw against South Africa in Uyo has intensified scrutiny of the NFF’s leadership, with Mikel asserting that the federation’s inability to “put its house in order” is the root cause of the team’s repeated failures on the global stage. “If Nigeria doesn’t qualify for the World Cup, the entire NFF board has to go… it’s unacceptable,” Mikel declared, referencing the team’s prior failure to qualify for the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

While acknowledging that players must take some responsibility, Mikel was unequivocal in placing the bulk of the blame on the federation’s mismanagement. He lamented the broader implications of Nigeria’s football decline, warning that continued underperformance only fuels global disrespect for African football.

“Do you blame the players? No, I don’t blame the players. Yes, the players have to take responsibility for the situation but are you gonna blame the players alone? No,” he said.

The Super Eagles now face an uphill battle, with upcoming fixtures against Lesotho and Benin Republic offering a narrow path to redemption.

Mikel’s comments have sparked widespread debate among fans and pundits, many of whom share his concerns about the state of football governance in Nigeria. His call for accountability resonates beyond sport, touching on themes of leadership, national pride, and the urgent need for reform.

As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup continues, Mikel Obi’s ultimatum stands as both a warning and a rallying cry. Whether the NFF heeds it remains to be seen, but the message is clear: failure is no longer an option, and the cost of complacency could be the very soul of Nigerian football.