National Teams
“No excuses – win or we’re out”: Obi Mikel urges Eagles to rescue World Cup hopes
By Dayo Awoniyi
Former Nigeria captain John Mikel Obi has issued a passionate rallying cry to Nigeria’s national team, urging them to “shut out distractions, take responsibility, and fight for the nation’s pride” as their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign hangs in the balance.
With only two matches remaining in Group C, Nigeria sit third—three points behind leaders South Africa and second-placed Benin Republic.
The Super Eagles must secure back-to-back victories against Lesotho in Polokwane on Friday and Benin Republic in Uyo next week to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Speaking on his ObiOne podcast, the former Chelsea midfielder described the situation as critical and warned that failure to qualify for a second consecutive World Cup would be disastrous for Nigerian football.
“It’s going to be a crime, an absolute crime, if Nigeria doesn’t make it to the World Cup again,” Mikel said. “Our World Cup fate is in the players’ hands. They have to win these two games—no excuses.”
Mikel, who captained Nigeria at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, stressed the importance of unity and leadership in the squad, saying he remains in close contact with many current players.
“At this stage, every off-field problem goes out the window. It’s about the players now. Nigerians are counting on them. They must take responsibility and deliver,” he added.
While acknowledging persistent issues within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the 37-year-old insisted that focus must remain on the pitch.
“Yes, there are problems in the NFF—everyone knows that. But right now, that doesn’t matter. Win your two games first. The rest can be dealt with later.”
Mikel called on star players such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon, and Victor Boniface to lead by example and draw on the resilience of past Super Eagles squads.
“When I captained the team, responsibility came first. You put frustrations aside and fight for the badge. They have the quality to do it, but it starts with belief and unity,” he said.
Despite a turbulent qualifying campaign—five draws in eight matches—Mikel believes the team can still salvage their World Cup dream if they approach the final games with the right mentality.
“They have to fight like warriors for the green and white. Everything is still to play for.”
As the Super Eagles prepare for two decisive fixtures, Mikel’s message is clear: Nigeria’s World Cup destiny lies in their own hands—and failure is not an option.
