Mikel Obi Declares His Ambition for the NFF: “I Won’t Have Corruption Tied to Me”

Mikel Obi says he is prepared to take charge of Nigerian football, but he will only do it in an open, corruption-free government.

John Obi Mikel, the former captain of the Super Eagles, has expressed interest in assuming a leadership position inside the Nigeria Football Federation, emphasizing that he would only do so provided the organization operated without corruption.

Mikel’s remarks come after Nigeria’s inability to earn a spot in the FIFA World Cup, which he feels exposes more serious structural issues in Nigerian football. According to the 37-year-old, the problems go beyond the field and call for a total overhaul motivated by honesty and responsibility.

Throughout his football career, Mikel, who has always been outspoken about his dedication to national service, stated that Nigeria has always come first.

Since I was a young child, I have always battled for the nation. Through the U17, U20, and senior national teams, I’m not sure how many players have accomplished that as I have.

Years of giving up. Never in my life have I refused my nation.

He went on to say that he is still prepared to help, but only in the appropriate circumstances.

“I’ll always be prepared to share my thoughts and offer assistance when I know I can. But once more, I refuse to be associated with corruption. If I say yes, that is something I will never do.

“You have to make sure everything is done correctly if you want us to move on.

“So that when the players return home to play, there is a good environment for them to play and perform, get the right people, people who have the same direction and thought.”

In addition to his athletic career, Mikel has experience in administration. Governor Caleb Mutfwang named him Honorary Adviser on Sports in Plateau State in July 2023, and he has since helped with strategic planning and sports development.

Many analysts see him as a possible reformist who might assist restructure Nigerian football governance because of his leadership role and international football reputation.

The accomplishments of the former Chelsea midfielder continue to be a major factor in his reputation. He led Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, captained the Super Eagles, won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, won Olympic bronze in 2016, amassed 91 caps for the national team, and won bronze at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in his final big appearance.

His rise through the ranks of the U17, U20, and senior national teams is a model for many young Nigerian football players, enhancing his reputation as a player who can actually affect change in football management.