Former Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, has sent a message to Nigeria’s national team, urging them to fight for pride and deliver qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With two decisive matches remaining, the Super Eagles sit third in Group C, three points behind joint leaders South Africa and the Benin Republic.
Nigeria will face Lesotho in Polokwane on Friday before concluding their qualifying campaign against the Benin Republic in Uyo next week.
Speaking on his ObiOne Podcast, the former Chelsea star said, “It’s going to be a crime, an absolute crime, if Nigeria doesn’t make it to the World Cup again,” Mikel said.
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“We love our football too much. Our World Cup fate is in the players’ hands. They have to win these two games, no excuses.”
Mikel, who captained Nigeria at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, admitted that the current campaign has left the country on edge but believes the dream is still alive if the players show leadership and unity.
“At this stage, every off-field problem goes out the window. It’s about the players now. They must take responsibility and deliver. Nigerians are counting on them,” he said.
“Yes, there are problems in the NFF, everyone knows that, but right now, that doesn’t matter. Win your two games first. The rest we can discuss later.”
The 37-year-old midfielder, who remains one of the most respected figures in Nigerian football, also called on senior players like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon, and Victor Boniface to lead by example.
“When I captained the team, responsibility came first. You put your frustrations aside. The players need to have a meeting, talk to each other, and pull together. They still have a chance, and they have the quality to do it,” he added.
Despite Nigeria’s stuttering run, five draws in eight qualifying games, Mikel remains optimistic about the team’s depth and talent.
“We have great players in every department. The defence is solid, the midfield is balanced, and our attackers are among the best in Africa. We need the mentality, the hunger, and the focus to get it done,” he stressed.
The Super Eagles opened camp in Polokwane on Monday ahead of their clash with Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. A win on Friday, followed by victory in Uyo, could seal Nigeria’s return to football’s biggest stage, if results elsewhere go in their favour.
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