Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has strongly criticized the alleged corruption within Nigerian football, emphasizing that it must be completely eliminated for the sport to progress.
Speaking on his ObiOne Podcast in a video shared on X on Wednesday, the former Chelsea midfielder referred to reports and circulating images suggesting that FIFA granted the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) $1.2 million for stadium projects. Mikel questioned how the funds were utilized.
“I’ve seen so many pictures and discussions about FIFA giving $1.2 million to the NFF to build stadiums. Have you seen that? The corruption has to be rooted out of the game,” Mikel said.
However, he urged that the issue of corruption be set aside temporarily, stressing that the nation’s immediate focus should be on the upcoming World Cup playoff matches.
“Now is not the best time to talk about that. This is the time to focus on the task ahead—playing the playoff games, advancing to the next round, and qualifying,” he added.
Mikel also appealed to the NFF to ensure that players are well taken care of and properly motivated to perform at their best, highlighting the importance of good management and player welfare.
“Whatever the NFF needs to do to make the players comfortable and ready to give their best for the country, they have to do it now,” he said.
The former captain further stressed that while Victor Osimhen is among the best strikers in the world, Nigeria’s qualification hopes rely on teamwork rather than individual brilliance.
“Don’t depend on Victor Osimhen alone. The whole team has to perform. Find that motivation within you—this is the biggest game of our lives, of the nation’s life. We must qualify for the World Cup. There’s no other option,” Mikel concluded.
