Former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi has launched a stinging critique of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) regarding the national team’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Speaking on his ObiOne podcast, the former Chelsea midfielder described the current administrative state as “shameless,” specifically highlighting reports that head coach Eric Chelle has not received his salary for three months.
Mikel argued that such financial instability undermines the team’s focus and reflects poorly on Nigeria’s status as a top footballing nation.
The veteran captain, who previously called for the NFF board’s resignation following Nigeria’s failure to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup, insisted that the federation has failed to learn from past errors. He emphasized that a major tournament like AFCON, which begins this Sunday in Morocco, requires absolute professional focus rather than public disputes over unpaid wages.
Mikel stated that while the players remain committed to the cause, the surrounding “unresolved problems” create an environment where success becomes significantly more difficult to achieve.
In response to the growing controversy, National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Shehu Dikko clarified on Monday that the NSC has stepped in to settle the coach’s arrears. Despite not being a direct party to the contract, the NSC has been funding Chelle’s monthly remuneration on behalf of the NFF to ensure stability ahead of the tournament.
The Super Eagles enter the competition following a 2-1 friendly loss to Egypt and will begin their Group C campaign against Tanzania on December 23 in Fès, with subsequent matches scheduled against Tunisia and Uganda.
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