Omotayo Fashola
Ex-Super Eagles skipper John Obi Mikel has launched a scathing critique of Nigeria’s readiness for AFCON 2025, condemning the Nigeria Football Federation for what he describes as gross incompetence just days before the tournament begins.
During a candid episode of his ObiOne podcast, Mikel expressed frustration over the chaotic state of preparations for the continental showdown in Morocco, set to start this weekend.
He slammed the NFF for allowing unpaid coach salaries to linger, calling it an embarrassment for Nigerian football.
“The level of preparation is unacceptable. After the World Cup qualifying disaster, you’d think lessons would have been learned,” said Mikel, who previously demanded the NFF leadership step down following Nigeria’s failure to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
“How can a national team coach go unpaid at such a critical time? It’s disgraceful! Top football nations don’t operate like this. These public disputes demoralize the team, the staff, and the supporters.”
“This was our chance to prove we’ve turned a corner. Instead, we’re repeating the same mistakes. AFCON isn’t the place for unresolved chaos. Nigeria’s football needs urgent reform—our fans deserve more.”
Recent reports alleged that Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle was owed three months’ wages and bonuses by the NFF before AFCON 2025.
However, Naija News confirmed that the National Sports Commission intervened, with chairman Shehu Dikko stating on Arise Television that the NSC had taken over Chelle’s salary payments despite having no contractual obligation.
“The NSC has been covering Eric Chelle’s salaries as part of our support to the NFF, even though his contract isn’t with us,” Dikko clarified.
Nigeria will face Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania in Group C, kicking off their campaign against Tanzania on December 23 in Fès.
The Super Eagles enter the tournament following a disappointing 2-1 loss to Egypt in their sole pre-AFCON friendly match held in Cairo earlier this week.
