Former Super Eagles midfielder John Obi Mikel has opened up on why he has not considered running for the presidency of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), saying he cannot work with the current leadership because of corruption.
Mikel made the statement during a recent podcast appearance in Ghana, shared by Joy Sports, when he was asked why he had not considered contesting for the NFF presidency.
“I’m just taking my time and trying to find the right time because these people that are running the Nigerian Football Federation right now, I can’t work with them because they’re so corrupt. They’re so corrupt that I can’t work with them.”
The former Super Eagles captain and 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner has had previous disagreements with the NFF, particularly during Nigeria’s participation in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.
Following Nigeria’s 1–1 draw with Namibia in a qualifier, the players reportedly became involved in a dispute with the NFF over winning bonuses. The players wanted a $10,000 bonus, while the federation was offering half that amount. Mikel, Vincent Enyeama and Austin Ejide were among the players who became prominent in the dispute, which contributed to the squad’s delayed departure for the Confederations Cup in Brazil.
Mikel made his Nigeria senior-team debut on August 17, 2005, at the age of 18 years and three months. Transfermarkt records him as having made 89 appearances and scored six goals for the Super Eagles.
He spent 14 years with the Super Eagles, featuring in major tournaments such as the World Cup and AFCON. He was also part of the Nigerian team that won the 2013 AFCON title.
