Mikel Obi calls for sack of entire NFF board after Nigeria failed to qualify for the World Cup

Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has described Nigeria's failure to qualify for the ongoing FIFA World Cup as a major setback, calling for a complete overhaul of the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, the former Chelsea midfielder said the country's inability to qualify for the tournament for a second consecutive time was unacceptable and a clear indication that significant changes are needed within Nigerian football.

"I feel for the people of my country. I feel for my people in Nigeria because they are going to be devastated right now. I just feel the entire board of the NFF needs to go. Twice in a row we failed to qualify. It means something is wrong. A drastic change has to be carried out," Mikel said.

The former midfielder added that Nigeria's status as one of Africa's football powerhouses makes the repeated failure to qualify for the World Cup even more disappointing.

"We are the biggest footballing nation in Africa and failing to qualify is an indication that something is wrong and that requires drastic action," he added.

Nigeria failed to secure a place at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, extending the Super Eagles' absence from football's biggest tournament after also missing the previous edition. Mikel's comments add to growing calls from football stakeholders and fans for reforms within the Nigeria Football Federation.