Former Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi, has called for the dissolution of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board if the national team fails to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This statement comes after the Super Eagles’ disappointing 1-1 draw with South Africa in their Group C qualification match, leaving them third on the log with six points behind Bafana Bafana and just two games to go.¹

Mikel Obi’s Frustration

Mikel Obi expressed his frustration on the ‘Obi One’ Podcast, stating that the NFF’s inability to put its house in order is the primary reason for the team’s struggles. “If Nigeria doesn’t qualify for the World Cup, the entire NFF board has to go… it’s unacceptable,” he emphasized. He also lamented the team’s failure to qualify for the last World Cup in Qatar, saying, “We didn’t qualify for Qatar the last World Cup and now it looks like again we are not going to make it. Honestly, I have nothing to say about it”.

Call for Government Intervention

Mikel Obi urged the federal government to take action against the NFF if the team fails to qualify for the World Cup. He believes that a drastic change is needed, and the government must get involved to ensure the team’s success. “The government, if they want to get involved, they have to get involved because it’s not acceptable,” he said.

Sunday Oliseh’s Support

Mikel Obi’s sentiments are echoed by former Super Eagles head coach, Sunday Oliseh, who believes it would be a disaster if Nigeria fails to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. “Africa could be represented by as many as 10 countries at the next World Cup, we’re at the risk of not being one of these countries and it will be a disaster if Nigeria do not qualify,” Oliseh said.

With only two games left, the Super Eagles face an uphill battle to revive their World Cup dreams. The team needs to secure victories against Lesotho and Benin Republic, while also hoping for favorable results elsewhere to qualify as one of Africa’s best runners-up.