Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has spoken out on the ongoing corruption crisis within Nigerian football, calling for urgent reform while urging players and fans to remain focused ahead of Thursday’s crucial World Cup playoff clash against Gabon.
Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, Mikel addressed the rising controversy surrounding FIFA’s reported $1.2 million grant to the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) for stadium development, funds many fans and pundits claim have been mismanaged. His remarks come at a tense moment for the Super Eagles, who head into the semi-final playoff after a remarkable 4-0 win against Benin in the last international break.
Softfootball earlier reported that the Nigerian team had refused to train ahead of the Gabon game, protesting unpaid allowances and bonuses the NFF has yet to settle. The unrest, combined with reports of poor accommodation and training conditions, has further fueled criticism of the Federation’s handling of player welfare.
According to the Obi One Podcast official X handle , Mikel said:
Like I have said, I have seen so many conversations, so many comments about FIFA giving $1.2m to build stadiums — have you seen that? In all the corruption that has gone on and not gone on, whatever it is, the corruption has to be rooted out of the game. If we want to go forward, it has to be rooted out. Now is not the time to discuss those. Now is the time to focus on the game at hand, which is played against Gabon, a playoff game to get to the next round of the playoffs.
Mikel’s message strikes a balance between accountability and focus. While condemning corruption within the NFF, he emphasized that discussions about reform should not distract from the immediate task, securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
He went on to stress the importance of unity, player welfare, and motivation ahead of what he described as the biggest games of our lives and the nation’s life. Mikel also urged the Federation to provide the right conditions for the players, ensuring they feel valued and ready to perform.
His comments resonate strongly with fans who have grown increasingly frustrated with Nigeria’s football leadership. Over the years, repeated allegations of financial mismanagement, poor infrastructure, and unpaid bonuses have plagued the NFF, stunting the growth of the sport in the country.
Catch the full conversation of the former Super eagles Captain John Mikel obi on the Obi one podcast, breaking down the story and issues with Nigerian football alongside his podcast co host Chris Mchardy. Watch the full video below:
Mikel’s remarks also arrive at a time when players such as Alex Iwobi have publicly criticized the team’s poor preparation environment, including substandard accommodation in Morocco, where the team is currently based. The ongoing tension has intensified calls for systemic change, with many urging for greater involvement of former players like Mikel in football governance.
As Nigeria prepares to face Gabon on Thursday, the stakes could not be higher. A win would move the Super Eagles into the final round of World Cup qualifying, keeping alive the nation’s dream of returning to the global stage. But beyond the match itself, Mikel’s words echo a deeper truth that without transparency, accountability, and genuine care for the players, Nigerian football’s long-term future remains uncertain.
