Super Eagles missing World Cup remains a concern for Nigerian fans after Mikel Obi insisted that winning next month’s AFCON will not fully erase the disappointment of missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Former Nigeria international John Mikel Obi expressed frustration with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board, arguing that failing to qualify for the World Cup represents a major setback that cannot be overlooked.
Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel said: “But does it 100% make it up for it [winning the AFCON]? I do not think so, because we want to see ourselves in the World Cup. I said it, if we do not qualify for the World Cup, the NFF, the whole board has to go. They have to go, because you cannot keep repeating the same mistake every time and thinking something is going to change. It is just going to be the same results. If you have the same people doing the same thing and failing all the time, and you give them one more time, no.”
Mikel insisted that the current leadership failed in their primary responsibility and should step aside for new direction.
The former midfielder also highlighted that the failure means fans will miss the chance to watch Victor Osimhen on the world stage at a time when the striker is in top form.
“It is a shame that you cannot see a striker in his prime, in his prime, absolutely on fire, it is 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 is where he belongs. Competing in the World Cup, in the biggest stage… And it is a shame that we cannot 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.”
Nigeria missed qualification after losing to DR Congo in the playoffs. The match ended 1-1 after regulation and extra time, before DR Congo won 4-3 on penalties. They will advance to the intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March in Mexico.
The disappointment marks another chapter in Nigeria’s push to reclaim its place at the highest level of international football, leaving fans questioning the direction of the national team program.
