Mikel Obi Calls for NFF Resignation After World Cup Failure

Mikel Obi, a former Chelsea midfielder, has urged the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to resign after Nigeria's failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer. Obi characterized this failure as a damaging moment for the country's football, expressing frustration over Nigeria's absence from the global tournament since their last appearance in 2018.

The NFF has faced criticism, particularly after lodging a complaint with FIFA against the Democratic Republic of Congo for fielding an ineligible player during the 2025 African playoff final. The world governing body of football is expected to deliver a ruling on the intercontinental playoff later this month.

Despite the NFF's efforts, Nigeria has yet to find a way back to the World Cup.