Mikel Obi slams NFF over Nigeria’s World Cup qualification failure

Former Nigeria international John Mikel Obi has slammed the Nigeria Football Federation over the nation’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Super Eagles missed out on automatic qualification but managed to reach the playoffs alongside Gabon, Cameroon and DR Congo.

Nigeria kicked out Gabon but lost to DR Congo in the decisive match last Sunday, missing out on two consecutive World Cup appearances.

The three-time AFCON winners lost to DR Congo on penalties after playing out a 1-1 draw after extra-time.

John Mikel Obi expressed his frustration at the NFF during an interaction on the Obi One Podcast.

Nigeria misses out on consecutive World Cup appearances

“It’s a failure, that’s what it is. It was just a disappointment,” he said. “We won against Gabon, but couldn’t defeat Congo. It’s all just negative, and that’s my frustration with the NFF. They’re not the right people to motivate these players.”

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will now turn attention to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations to be hosted in Morocco between December 2025 and January 2026.