Mikel Obi rallies Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 World Cup
Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has urged Nigeria’s senior national team to take full responsibility and fight for the nation’s pride as they chase qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Super Eagles player || Imago
Former Super Eagles player insists Nigeria can not qualify || Imago
Speaking on his ObiOne Podcast, the ex-Chelsea midfielder said Nigeria’s World Cup hopes remain alive despite a turbulent qualifying campaign, adding that only focus, unity, and determination can see the team through.
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Don’t Sleep!!! Check out the time and where to watch the Super Eagles of Nigeria against the Crocodiles of Lesotho in the Matchday 9 World Cup qualifier.
What Mikel said
With two matches left to play, the Super Eagles sit third in Group C, three points behind leaders South Africa and Benin Republic. They face Lesotho in Polokwane on Friday before hosting the Benin Republic in Uyo in their final qualifier.
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Mikel, who captained Nigeria at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, described the situation as “hanging by a thread” but insisted that qualification is still within reach.
“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 excuse,” he added.
The 37-year-old revealed that he remains in touch with many current squad members and urged them to show leadership and accountability, both on and off the pitch.
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“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.
While acknowledging ongoing challenges within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mikel insisted that internal issues should not be used as an excuse.
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“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,” he added.
Drawing from his own leadership experience, Mikel called on key players like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon, and Victor Boniface to step up and emulate the unity that defined previous successful squads.
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Super Eagles legend Mikel Obi has stated that ‘The whole board of the NFF has to go’ if Nigeria wants a solution to World Cup problems.
“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 said.
Despite Nigeria’s inconsistent run, five draws in eight matches, Mikel remains optimistic about the team’s potential.
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“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 just 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 Friday’s clash against Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
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A win in South Africa and another at home to the Benin Republic could see Nigeria secure a World Cup berth and avoid missing the tournament for the second time in a row.
