Mikel Obi is a former captain for the Super Eagles of Nigeria
Following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup their second consecutive absence from the global tournament — former Nigeria and Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has expressed willingness to take up a leadership role within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
However, the former Super Eagles captain made it clear that his involvement would depend entirely on transparency and a clean break from corruption within the football governing body.
“I won’t have corruption tied to me… If you want us going forward, you must make sure things are done properly,” Mikel said.
Nigeria’s senior team struggles reflect a broader decline in the nation’s football structure, with age-grade teams also repeatedly failing to qualify for major international competitions.
Mikel, a highly decorated national icon, has long criticised the NFF’s administrative shortcomings.
He has previously called for the resignation of the entire board, arguing that entrenched mismanagement and corruption lie at the heart of the Super Eagles’ decline.
