Super Eagles Winning AFCON won’t make up for 2026 World Cup miss – Mikel Obi
Former Nigerian international John Mikel Obi has stated that even if the Super Eagles win next month’s African Cup of Nations (AFCON), it cannot fully make up for their failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel criticized the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board, insisting they should resign for repeatedly failing in their core responsibility. He said, “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 and expect different results.”
He also highlighted the disappointment for Nigerian fans, who will miss the chance to see world-class striker Victor Osimhen at the World Cup.
Mikel’s comments come after Nigeria lost to DR Congo in the playoffs, drawing 1-1 in regulation and extra time before losing 4-3 on penalties, with DR Congo advancing to the intercontinental playoffs in Mexico next March.
“It’s a shame that you can’t see a striker in his prime, in his prime, absolutely on fire, it’s not going to be in the World Cup… As one of the best strikers in the world, he has to be in the World Cup. He has to be, because that’s where he belongs. Competing in the World Cup, in the biggest stage… And it’s a shame that we can’t see our best striker in Africa be in that biggest stage, competing, showcasing his talents, scoring goals for our country, for our nation, Africa, Nigeria.”
