John Obi Mikel says Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is the direct result of poor leadership within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Nigeria missed out on the global showpiece for the second consecutive time after losing to DR Congo in the playoff final. The Super Eagles were beaten on penalties after a 1-1 draw, marking their first back-to-back World Cup absence since 1994.
Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, the former Chelsea midfielder expressed frustration over what he believes is a lack of proper motivation and structure from the NFF.
“It’s a failure, that’s what it is. It was just a disappointment,” Mikel 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.”
Nigeria had progressed to the playoff round but fell short against a determined DR Congo side, who now move on to the intercontinental playoff for a chance to reach the 2026 World Cup in North America.
With qualification hopes now gone, the Super Eagles will turn their attention to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, scheduled for December 2025 to January 2026.
