FORMER Super Eagles star Mikel Obi has called for the exit of the entire Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board if the team fails to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The three-time African champions are currently third in their qualifying group, six points behind South Africa with just two rounds of matches to go, and with only one automatic ticket available.
Nigeria’s fate was effectively sealed by the 1-1 draw with South Africa in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, and Mikel is pointing the finger at the NFF hierarchy led by Ibrahim Gusau.
Speaking on his Obi One podcast, the former Super Eagles captain did not hold back.
“If we don’t qualify for the World Cup, the whole board of the NFF… they need to go,” Mikel said.
“Sorry, they have to go. It’s not acceptable.”
While a frustrated Mikel admitted that players had a share of the responsibility, he emphasised that the failure lay squarely with the administrators.
“Yes, the players have to take responsibility, but the biggest problem is from the top,” the former Chelsea star said.
“You have to get those guys motivated, find a conducive way for them to play for Nigeria. Right now, nobody is making that comfortable.”
Mikel urged the federal government to step in and investigate why one of Africa’s football powerhouses is on the brink of missing out on a second consecutive World Cup.
“I love Nigeria. When you talk about Chelsea, it’s the same way. The problem is 100% from the top,” the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner insisted.