Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has called for the sack of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board if the national team fails to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Nigeria’s hopes of making the tournament suffered a setback after a 1-1 draw with South Africa in Bloemfontein left the Super Eagles third in Group C with 11 points six behind the leaders with just two games to play.

Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, the former Chelsea midfielder blamed the federation’s administration for Nigeria’s struggles.

“If Nigeria doesn’t qualify for the World Cup, the entire NFF board has to go… It’s unacceptable,” Mikel said.

“We didn’t qualify for Qatar the last World Cup and now it looks like again we are not going to make it. Honestly, I have nothing to say about it. It is just horrible.”

Mikel defended the players, insisting that responsibility must not rest on them alone.

“Do you blame the players? No, I don’t blame the players… Yes, the players have to take responsibility, but are you gonna blame the players alone? No. Again, we talk about it so many times, and that’s why people disrespect African football.”

The Super Eagles must now win their remaining fixtures away to Lesotho and at home against Benin Republic while relying on other results to stand a chance of reaching the playoffs as one of Africa’s best runners-up.