It’s no longer news that Nigeria’s Super Eagles will not be at the 2026 FIFA World Cup taking place in Mexico, the United States and Canada next year.
The Super Eagles recently struggled to make it to the intercontinental playoff of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Eric Chelle’s men were knocked out by DR Congo, ending any hopes of playing in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
After Super Eagles’ World Cup ticket failure, there have been calls from ex-Super Eagles players, stakeholders and fans to revive Nigeria’s football as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, draws closer.
Former Super Eagles captain, John Obi Mikel recently declared his interest to become the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, President after criticizing the Nigeria football power house.
The former Chelsea midfielder said he would ensure his name is not tied to any form of corruption as the NFF boss.
Obi Mikel also blamed corruption in the system for Nigeria’s failure to stamp its feet among the top footballing countries of the world.
“When I know I can give my opinion and help, I will always be ready. But again, I won’t have corruption tied to me. I am never going to do that if I am going to say yes,” Obi Mikel said.
“If you want us to go forward, you must make sure things are done properly.
“Get the right people, people that have the same direction and thought, so when the players come back home to play, there is a good environment for them to play and perform,” he added.
On his part, former Super Eagles forward, Victor Anichebe criticized the NFF after Nigeria failed to qualify for the World Cup.
The former Everton star took to social media to demand ‘real change and serious decision’ in Nigeria’s football administration.
Speaking with DAILY POST on Monday, respected Lagos-based journalist, Femi Fabunmi, insisted that football administration is quite different from playing football.
According to Fabunmi, any individual who has administrative skills can lead the NFF and not necessarily an ex Super Eagles player.
“Football administration is quite different from playing football,” Fabunmi told DAILY POST.
“Anybody who possesses administrative skills can lead, and not necessarily an ex-footballer.
“Leading with purpose and redirection should be the priority and not about being an ex-footballer.
“In many cases, ex-footballers didn’t do well as administrators. Although Samuel Eto’o of Cameroon has done well in Fecafoot.
“His counterparts in many other football federations have not gotten past the pass mark,” he stated.
