FORMER Super Eagles star Mikel Obi has declared that the team has an obligation to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Although the three-time African champions’ chances of securing the only automatic ticket in their qualifying group are slim, Mikel insists that they must find a way.
The Super Eagles are third in Group C, three points behind both Benin Republic and South Africa, and they face Lesotho in Polokwane on Friday in the first of their final two qualifying fixtures.
“It’s going to be a crime, an absolute crime, if Nigeria don’t make it to the World Cup again,” Mikel said on his Obi One podcast.
“We love our football too much. Our World Cup fate is in the players’ hands. They have to win these two games, no excuses.”
The former Chelsea midfielder, who represented the Super Eagles at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups, suggested that it would be a travesty for the team to miss the global tournament back-to-back after the 2022 miss.
According to Mikel, it is on the players to ensure the World Cup dream comes through, regardless of any administrative shortcomings.
“At this stage, every off-field problem goes out the window. It’s about the players now.
They must take responsibility and deliver. Nigerians are counting on them,” Mikel added.
“Yes, there are problems in the NFF, everyone knows tha, but right now, that doesn’t matter.
“Win your two games first. The rest we can discuss later.
“When I captained the team, responsibility came first. You put your frustrations aside. The players need to have a meeting, talk to each other, and pull together. They still have a chance, and they have the quality to do it.”
Mikel, 38, is banking on the array of stars in the Super Eagles squad to dig themselves out of the deep hole they are in and somehow win the group.
“We have great players in every department,” he said.
“The defence is solid, the midfield is balanced, and our attackers are among the best in Africa. We just need the mentality, the hunger, and the focus to get it done.”
After Friday’s clash in Polokwane, South Africa, the Super Eagles will round off the qualifying campaign with a home clash against Benin Republic in Uyo on Tuesday.