Former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi has criticised Nigeria’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, launching a scathing attack on the Nigeria Football Federation over ongoing administrative issues.
Speaking on his ObiOne podcast, Mikel expressed disappointment with the build-up to the tournament, which kicks off on Sunday in Morocco, and questioned how a national coach could be owed salaries at such a critical stage.
“I’m not impressed at all with the preparation. After everything that happened with the World Cup qualifiers, you would expect things to be better,” said Mikel, who has demanded the resignation of the NFF board following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
“How do you owe a coach money at this stage? It’s shameless! This is not how serious football nations operate. When issues like this are in the public space, it affects everyone – the coach, the players and even the fans.
“This was supposed to be the time to save face and show that lessons were learned. Instead, it’s the same story again. You can’t go into the AFCON with unresolved problems. Everything must be sorted now. Nigeria deserves better. Our football deserves better.”
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle was reported to be owed three months’ salary and bonuses by the NFF ahead of the tournament.
However, National Sports Commission chairman Shehu Dikko disclosed on Monday that the NSC has been paying Chelle’s salary on behalf of the NFF despite not being party to his contract.
“The NSC have been paying the salaries of Eric Chelle (Super Eagles coach) on behalf of the NFF even though we’re not a party to the contract,” Dikko told Arise Television.
“This is part of our support to the NFF.”
Nigeria will compete in Group C at AFCON 2025 alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania, with their opening match against Tanzania scheduled for December 23 in Fès.
The Super Eagles lost 2-1 to Egypt in their only pre-AFCON friendly on Tuesday in Cairo.
