Mikel Obi further highlighted the poor conditions players face due to inadequate support, including subpar facilities, travel arrangements, and accommodations.
Former Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, has called for urgent government intervention in the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), citing widespread corruption and mismanagement within the organization.
Mikel, who has been increasingly vocal about the state of Nigerian football, expressed his frustration during an episode of his “Obi-One” podcast, where he criticized the NFF’s leadership and decision-making.
Mikel accused the NFF of financial misappropriation, claiming that only a fraction of the funds allocated by the government for football development actually reaches its intended purpose. “They release maybe 10% of it, and the rest is shared between them,” Mikel alleged.
Mikel Obi further highlighted the poor conditions players face due to inadequate support, including subpar facilities, travel arrangements, and accommodations.
The former Chelsea midfielder did not hold back in questioning the competence of those in charge of Nigerian football. “You have all these men who know nothing about football. They’re just there because they’ve been voted in,” Mikel stated, urging the NFF to appoint individuals who genuinely understand the game and are committed to improving it.
Mikel’s call for government intervention comes despite FIFA’s strict regulations against government interference in football administration.
However, he argued that such measures are necessary to prevent further decline in 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, we have to make sure they get out because they’re so incompetent,” Mikel emphasized.
He concluded by calling for a complete overhaul of the NFF to eliminate corruption and restore integrity to Nigerian football. “We need to make sure the corruption is out, definitely,” Mikel declared.
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