Former Tremendous Eagles captain, Mikel Obi, has mentioned all the board of the Nigeria Soccer Federation (NAFF) ought to give up if Nigeria fail to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mikel made this identified on Thursday throughout his Obi One Podcast.
Based on the previous Chelsea F.C. midfielder, failing to qualify for the World Cup for the second consecutive time could be disastrous for Nigerian soccer followers.
“I really feel for the folks of my nation. I really feel for folks in Nigeria as a result of they’re going to be devastated proper now. For the second time operating, we’re not going to qualify for the World Cup. Does something change for those who don’t? Oh, man. It has to. It has to,” he mentioned.
The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner mentioned these in control of Nigerian soccer mustn’t stay in workplace if the Tremendous Eagles miss the event once more.
“If we don’t make it to the World Cup, I simply suppose the entire board of the NFF must go. Twice in a row we don’t qualify, one thing is unsuitable. A drastic change needs to be completed,” he declared.
Mikel insisted that Nigeria mustn’t battle to qualify for the World Cup, describing the nation as Africa’s greatest soccer nation.
“We’re the largest footballing nation in Africa. I don’t care what anyone says. Nigeria is the largest relating to African soccer. So if twice in a row we don’t qualify, one thing is certainly unsuitable,” he maintained.
He additionally faulted the ambiance across the nationwide staff, saying gamers aren’t being correctly motivated every time they return for worldwide responsibility.
“It’s a must to make these gamers motivated, discover a conducive method. Once they come again residence to play for Nigeria, they should really feel comfy. And proper now, no one’s making that comfy for them,” he lamented.
Mikel added that whereas the gamers should take accountability, the primary drawback is from the highest, calling for presidency intervention if crucial.
“Sure, the gamers should take accountability, however the greatest drawback is from the highest. From the highest. If the federal government need to become involved, they should become involved as a result of it’s not acceptable,” he mentioned.
Regardless of his considerations, the previous Chelsea F.C. star urged Nigerians to maintain supporting the staff, saying qualification hopes are nonetheless alive.
“The dream’s not lifeless in Berlin but. It’s not lifeless but. We have now two video games left and now we have to nonetheless help the staff. But when we don’t make it, huge, drastic change needs to be completed. The entire board of the NFF has to go,” he mentioned.
