…Legendary Nigerian midfielder John Mikel Obi discussed taking a leadership role with the NFF
Super Eagles legend John Obi Mikel has expressed the openness to take on a leadership role at the Nigerian Football Federation, pledging a corruption-free tenure should he take charge.
The former Chelsea midfielder has been one of the leading voices against the NFF amid recent accusations of corruption and ineptitude.
Nigerian football came to particular disrepute in the recent World Cup playoffs for two separate reasons: firstly, the players went on strike, refusing to train, ahead of the playoff semi-final against Gabon, in protest of unpaid bonuses; secondly, they lost to DR Congo in the final, which confirmed that Nigeria will miss consecutive World Cups.
Both disappointing occurrences triggered large-scale criticism against the leadership of Nigerian football, including from Mikel, who demanded large-scale layoffs.
Mikel on taking a leadership role
According to Brila.net, the 38-year-old also expressed a willingness to be part of the solution. The former Super Eagles captain stressed that he has been a loyal servant and an ambassador of impeachable character for the country’s football. He said that he will not associate himself with corruption if he one day decides to help from behind a desk.
“One thing I have always done since my early days is fought for the country. I don’t know how many players have done that like I have, through the U17, U20, the senior national team,” Mikel said. “Years of sacrifice. I have never for once said no to my country.
“When I know I can give my opinion and help, I will always be ready. But again, I won’t have corruption tied to me. I am never going to do that if I am going to say yes.
“If you want us going forward, you must make sure things are done properly. Get the right people, people that have the same direction and thought so when the players come back home to play, there is a good environment for them to play and perform.”
Pulse
