Mikel Obi insists AFCON 2025 triumph cannot erase Nigeria’s World Cup qualification failure

Former Chelsea star Mikel Obi has criticized Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup tournament, insisting AFCON 2025 success cannot erase the disappointment.

The West African football heavyweights missed out on World Cup qualification for the second time running after falling short in 2026 qualifying series, marking their first back-to-back absence since 1994.

Despite advancing to the playoff stage, Nigeria ultimately lost to DR Congo in the decisive match on Sunday.

During the African playoff final, the three-time AFCON winners succumbed to defeat to DR Congo on penalties after playing out a 1-1 draw after extra-time.

The Leopards now stands a chance of securing a place at the global showpiece slated for next year, as they gears up for final playoff to be held in North America.

Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, the former Chelsea midfielder said missing the World Cup was too serious to overlook. He argued that the Nigeria Football Federation board had a job to do and failed, stressing that they must resign immediately.

“You can’t keep repeating the same mistake every time and thinking something is going to change… If you have the same people doing the same thing and failing all the time, and you give them one more time, no.”

Mikel also lamented that Nigerian fans have lost the chance to watch the country’s top striker on football’s biggest stage. He described it as “a shame… that you can’t see a striker in his prime… absolutely on fire” playing at the World Cup. Drawing a comparison with Erling Haaland, he said top strikers “have to be in the World Cup… because that’s where they belong.” He added that it was sad that Nigeria’s best forward would miss the opportunity to “showcase his talents, scoring goals for our country.”

Looking ahead to the Africa Cup of Nations, Mikel warned that urgent reforms are needed despite the short timeline. “Yes, it’s a short time to make changes… but those changes have to be made,” he said.

He maintained that his stance has not changed: the NFF board must step aside. “They had a job to do… get to the World Cup. And they messed it up… They have absolutely failed,” he said.