Mikel Obi calls for govt action amid NFF corruption claims

Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has expressed his discontent with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), calling for government intervention if the issues plaguing the body are not promptly addressed.

Mikel, known for his candid views on Nigerian football, has criticized the NFF for its negligence and dubious practices. He revealed instances where he had to intervene due to the federation’s incompetence and poor decision-making.

The ex-captain also questioned the capability of those in crucial positions, pointing out the inadequate support for national teams as a recurring problem.

“The (NFF) need to make sure they get the right people who will run the Federation,” Mikel said on his Obi-One podcast.

“You have all these men who know nothing about football. They’re just there because obviously they’ve been voted in.”

Mikel accused the NFF of pocketing the majority of funds provided by the government, leaving only a fraction for the running of football.

“They release maybe 10% of it and then the rest is shared between them. The players don’t get the… environment in terms of facilities, flights, hotels, and things like that and then players suffer. Things that led up to that should be looked at.

“We need to make sure the corruption is out, definitely.”

Despite FIFA’s regulations prohibiting government interference in football administration, Mikel argued for the necessity of that measure to prevent further damage to Nigerian football.

“The government needs to step in. I know FIFA says the government cannot be involved in sports, but if people are not doing the right things to make sure that things are improved, we have to make sure that they get you out because you’re so incompetent.

“People who know what it means to represent your country should be the people in charge of it, not the people who want to steal money.”