Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has expressed a strong interest in taking up a leadership role within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), stressing that he would only accept the position in a corruption-free environment.

 

Speaking after Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, the 37-year-old football legend said the issues facing Nigerian football extend far beyond on-field results.

 

“One thing I have always done since my early days is fought for the country. I don’t know how many players have done that like I have, through the U17, U20, the senior national team. Years of sacrifice. I have never for once said no to my country. When I know I can give my opinion and help, I will always be ready. But again, I won’t have corruption tied to me. I am never going to do that if I am going to say yes. If you want us going forward, you must make sure things are done properly. Get the right people, people that have the same direction and thought, so when the players come back home to play, there is a good environment for them to play and perform,” Mikel said.

 

Since retiring from professional football, Mikel has remained active in sports leadership, serving as Honorary Adviser on Sports in Plateau State since July 2023. His experience, combined with his stature in world football, positions him as a potential reformer for Nigerian football administration.

 

Mikel’s decorated career includes captaining the Super Eagles, winning the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, earning bronze at the 2016 Olympics, leading Nigeria at the 2018 World Cup, and securing bronze at the 2019 AFCON, which marked his final major tournament.