Mikel Obi Calls for NFF Board Resignation Amid Failures

Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has urged the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), headed by Ibrahim Musa Gusau, to resign, citing a need for a new direction in Nigerian football. Mikel's comments come amid criticism of the NFF following the Super Eagles' failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the second consecutive World Cup they have missed, after also failing to qualify for the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

Speaking on the Joy Sports Podcast in Ghana, Mikel stated that the current leadership structure is inadequate for the growth of Nigerian football. He expressed that the situation is unacceptable for a country with Nigeria's football pedigree and called for the right people to manage the sport.

Mikel's call for resignation aligns with similar demands from other former internationals and stakeholders, including Richard Owubokiri. Reports indicate that members of the NFF Executive Committee are considering mass resignations amid pressure for restructuring, with as many as nine of the 13 board members signaling their intention to resign.