Nigeria: Ex-Chelsea star eyes NFF job after Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup failure

Nigerian football has hit a new low following the failure of the Super Eagles to qualify for back-to-back editions of the World Cup

Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has opened the door to taking up a leadership role within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Soccernet.ng reports.

Mikel declared that he is prepared to help rebuild Nigerian football, provided the system becomes transparent and accountable.

The ex-Chelsea midfielder expressed deep disappointment over the NFF’s handling of the national teams in recent years.

His concerns come on the back of Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the first time since 1990 that the nation will miss consecutive editions of the global tournament following their absence from Qatar 2022.

Mikel, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most decorated footballers, has been forthright in his criticism of the football house. He has previously called for the entire NFF board to resign or be dismissed following the World Cup debacle.

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Nigeria’s football decline ignites calls for change

Nigerian football is reeling in a crisis that extends beyond the senior national team.

The country’s age-grade sides have endured a similarly bleak period, with the Olympic Eagles failing to qualify for both the 2020 and 2024 Games, the Flying Eagles crashing out of the U20 World Cup in the first knockout round, and the Golden Eaglets enduring an unprecedented slump; missing the last two editions of the U17 AFCON and the U17 World Cup.

These failures have sparked national frustration, amplified by repeated allegations of corruption involving both past and present NFF leaderships. For Mikel, meaningful reform must precede any intention to serve.

“One thing I have always done since my early days is fought for the country,” Mikel noted. “I don’t know how many players have done that like I have, through the U17, U20, the senior national team.

“Years of sacrifice. I have never for once said no to my country.

“When I know I can give my opinion and help, I will always be ready. But again, I won’t have corruption tied to me. I am never going to do that if I am going to say yes.

“If you want us going forward, you must make sure things are done properly.

“Get the right people, people that have the same direction and thought, so when the players come back home to play, there is a good environment for them to play and perform.”

Mikel, who won two Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the 2012 Champions League during an 11-year spell with Chelsea, has long been admired for his leadership qualities. His 14-year international career, spanning five AFCONs, two World Cups and an Olympic bronze medal, sealed his status as a national icon.