“Hammer Blow”: Mikel Obi Calls for NFF Leadership Resignation After Nigeria Misses Second Straight World Cup

Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has called for the resignation of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) leadership following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the second consecutive tournament the country will miss. Speaking on talkSPORT, Mikel said: “It is a hammer blow and I have said it so many times that when you have a country as big as we do, over 300 million people, the biggest country in Africa and we are not going to the World Cup (for a) second time in a row, the FA, the people that are running the FA, should all resign.”

He described the situation as “a disaster,” adding that Nigeria has “one of the best teams in Africa.” However, Nigeria still has a slim hope through the NFF’s petition against DR Congo, alleging they fielded ineligible players in the African playoff final. FIFA is expected to rule before the intercontinental playoffs later this month in Mexico.

Key Points

Mikel calls NFF leadership to resign after Nigeria misses second straight World Cup.
Describes situation as “hammer blow” and “disaster” for Africa’s biggest country.
Nigeria still has slim hope via FIFA petition against DR Congo.
FIFA to rule before intercontinental playoffs in Mexico.
Mikel: “We have one of the best teams in Africa.”

John Obi Mikel doesn’t hold back, a “hammer blow” and a “disaster,” and the men in charge must go, unless FIFA throws Nigeria a lifeline.

Sources: talkSPORT Interview