Mikel Joins Calls For Ibrahim Gusau’s NFF Board To Step Down

Mikel Joins Calls for Ibrahim Gusau’s NFF Board to Step Down

Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has joined growing calls for the Nigeria Football Federation NFF board, led by Ibrahim Gusau, to resign amid mounting concerns over the state of Nigerian football. Mikel said Nigerian football needs a change in leadership following a series of disappointing performances and qualification failures involving the country’s national teams. Speaking on the Joy Sports Podcast in Ghana, the former Chelsea midfielder said the NFF needs new leadership if Nigeria is to rebuild its football and return to competing at the highest level. “We want changes in the Nigeria Football Federation because we want to grow our football,” Mikel said. He added that Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the last two FIFA World Cups was a “shame” and warned that the country could not afford to miss a third consecutive tournament.Mikel’s comments come as pressure continues to mount on the Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF board, with stakeholders demanding major changes in the administration of Nigerian football. The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while other national teams have also experienced qualification setbacks under the current administration. More recently, the Super Falcons failed to secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, further intensifying criticism of the federation’s leadership. The former Nigeria midfielder argued that the country needs the right people in charge of football to restore its fortunes. Mikel’s latest comments add to similar demands from former players, football administrators and other stakeholders who have called for the NFF board to step aside and allow a new leadership structure to take charge. The growing pressure comes as Nigerian football faces questions over its administration, national-team performance and long-term development.