Mikel Obi: AFCON Victory Cannot Erase the Pain of Missing 2026 World Cup
Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has expressed deep disappointment over Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, calling it “an absolute shame.” He insisted that any triumph at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) would not compensate for the World Cup absence.
Speaking on his The Obi One Podcast, Mikel argued that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) leadership bears full responsibility for the failure. He urged the entire NFF board to resign immediately, warning that keeping the same people in charge will only lead to repeated failure.
“If we do not qualify for the World Cup … the NFF, the whole board has to go … you can’t keep repeating the same mistake every time … it’s just going to be the same results.”
He also lamented the fact that Nigeria’s top talent will miss out on the global stage. According to Mikel, administrative negligence has robbed fans of seeing their best players perform at the biggest football event.
“It’s a shame … that our best striker … in his prime … is not going to be in the World Cup … that’s where he belongs,” he said.
Mikel called for immediate reforms within the NFF ahead of AFCON, despite the limited time before the tournament.
“Yes, it’s a short time to make changes … but those changes have to be made,” he emphasized.
“Their job … was to take the country, the team to the World Cup, and they failed. They have absolutely failed.”