Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has expressed deep disappointment with Nigeria’s current preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), describing the situation as a painful repeat of past failures, especially coming on the heels of the country’s inability to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
Speaking candidly, Mikel made it clear that he expected a clear change in attitude and organization after the World Cup qualifying setback. Instead, what he sees worries him deeply.
“I’m not impressed at all with the preparation. After everything that happened with the World Cup qualifiers, you would expect things to be better,” Mikel said.
One of his strongest criticisms centered on reports that the national team coach is still being owed money at such a crucial stage.
“How do you owe a coach money at this stage? It’s shameless! This is not how serious football nations operate,” he said.
“When issues like this are in the public space, it affects everyone — the coach, the players and even the fans.”
Mikel’s frustration is not just about unpaid wages, but about a system that, in his view, continues to fail Nigerian football despite repeated warnings. He has previously called for the resignation of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the World Cup, arguing that accountability has been missing for too long.
Over the years, the NFF has been dogged by allegations of mismanagement, leadership crises, and corruption-related controversies. From internal power struggles and court cases to past suspensions and investigations involving football administration, Nigerian football has often been distracted by off-the-pitch problems rather than focused on development and success on it. These recurring issues have repeatedly undermined preparation for major tournaments and damaged the country’s image internationally.
According to Mikel, the AFCON was meant to be an opportunity to rebuild trust and show that lessons had been learned.
“This was supposed to be the time to save face and show that lessons were learned. Instead, it’s the same story again,” he said.
“You can’t go into the AFCON with unresolved problems. Everything must be sorted now.”
Looking ahead, Mikel believes the solution lies in genuine reform. He has consistently advocated for the appointment of administrators who are driven by passion, competence, and a clear vision for success, not personal gain.
For Nigerian football to move forward, there must be transparency, proper planning, and leadership that puts players, coaches, and fans first. Investing in grassroots development, paying officials and players on time, and creating a stable football structure are essential steps toward restoring pride in the Super Eagles.
“Nigeria deserves better. Our football deserves better,” Mikel concluded.
His words echo the sentiments of millions of fans who still believe in the immense potential of Nigerian football, but who are increasingly frustrated by a system that seems unwilling to change.
