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Mikel Obi – NFF board must go if Nigeria misses 2026 World Cup

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A former Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi, has said the board of the Nigeria Football Federation should resign if the country fails to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking on the Obi One Podcast on Thursday, the ex-Chelsea midfielder warned that missing the tournament for a second time running would be devastating for Nigerians.

“I feel for the people of my country. I feel for people in Nigeria because they’re going to be devastated right now. For the second time running, we’re not going to qualify for the World Cup. Does anything change if you don’t? Oh, man. It has to. It has to,” he said.

Mikel stressed that accountability must start at the top, insisting that those in charge of Nigerian football cannot remain in office if the Eagles fall short again.

“If we don’t make it to the World Cup, I just think the whole board of the NFF needs to go. Twice in a row we don’t qualify, something is wrong. A drastic change has to be done,” he declared.

The former Super Eagles skipper argued that Nigeria, with its footballing pedigree, should not struggle to feature on the world stage.

“We are the biggest footballing country in Africa. I don’t care what anybody says. Nigeria is the biggest when it comes to African football. So if twice in a row we don’t qualify, something is definitely wrong,” he maintained.

Mikel also criticised the atmosphere around the national team, saying players were not being given the right motivation or conducive environment whenever they return home for international duty.

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“You have to make those players motivated, find a conducive way. When they come back home to play for Nigeria, they have to feel comfortable. And right now, nobody’s making that comfortable for them,” he lamented.

While pointing to the responsibility of the players, Mikel insisted that the root of the problem lies in leadership. He also suggested government intervention may be needed to arrest the decline.

“Yes, the players have to take responsibility, but the biggest problem is from the top. From the top. If the government want to get involved, they have to get involved because it’s not acceptable,” he said.

Despite his frustration, the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner called on fans to continue backing the team as qualification hopes are still alive.

“The dream’s not dead in Berlin yet. It’s not dead yet. We have two games left and we have to still support the team. But if we don’t make it, massive, drastic change has to be done. The whole board of the NFF has to go,” he warned.

Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar remains a significant disappointment. The Super Eagles were eliminated by Ghana in March 2022 after a 1-1 draw in Abuja, with the Black Stars progressing on away goals.

The disappointment led to the heavy criticism of the Nigeria Football Federation leadership.

The 2026 qualification campaign has seen some improvement, but remains challenging. Nigeria is in Group C, alongside South Africa, Benin, Rwanda, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe. The group winner will qualify directly for the World Cup, while the runner-up may enter a playoff.

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Nigeria’s first victory in the 2026 qualifiers came in March 2025, with a 2-0 away win over Rwanda in Kigali, thanks to a brace from Victor Osimhen. However, a subsequent 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe in Uyo, where Nigeria conceded a stoppage-time equalizer, hindered their progress.

On September 9 2025, Nigeria played to a 1-1 draw against South Africa in Bloemfontein, leaving them with 11 points from 8 matches. South Africa leads the group with 17 points, while Benin and Rwanda are also on 11 points. Lesotho and Zimbabwe have been eliminated from contention.

With two matches remaining—against Lesotho (away) and Benin (home)—Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup are still alive but require maximum points and favourable results elsewhere.

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President Tinubu Hails Ejimofor Anosike After NBL Title Win

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April 26, 2026

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigerian-American basketball star, Ejimofor Anosike, for leading the Hong Kong Bulls to the 2026 National Basketball League championship.

Ejimofor Anosike powered the Bulls to the title and swept three individual honours, winning the Finals Most Valuable Player award, Best International Player award and Slam Dunk Champion title.

In a statement issued on Saturday, April 25, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the achievement as a source of pride for Nigeria and an inspiration to young athletes across Africa.

Tinubu praised the forward’s continued commitment to the national side, D’Tigers, despite his success abroad.

“I commend him for not allowing his successes on the international stage to overshadow his sense of patriotism, as evidenced by the passion he exhibits as a member of Nigeria’s men’s basketball team, D’Tigers,” Tinubu said.

“Anosike’s accomplishments reflect the growing global impact of Nigerians in sports and underscore the importance of continued investment in youth development and sporting excellence.”

The President added that the player’s exploits on the global stage have brought pride to the country and wished him even greater milestones in the years ahead.

Anosike, who holds dual Nigerian and American citizenship, remains a regular feature for the national basketball team.

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Ademola Lookman Ruled Out Of Bilbao Clash As Barcelona Eye Big LaLiga Gap

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April 26, 2026

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Atletico Madrid manager, Diego Simeone, has confirmed that Nigerian winger, Ademola Lookman, will miss the home meeting with Athletic Bilbao at 8 p.m. later tonight, April 25.

Ademola Lookman picked up an adductor injury in last weekend’s Copa del Rey final defeat to Real Sociedad.

The 28-year-old Nigerian striker also sat out Tuesday’s loss to Elche CF. Hopes of a quick return have now been dashed.

“Ademola Lookman is not ready for tomorrow yet, it’s a good thing we took him off in the Copa final,” Simeone said.

Lookman is targeting a comeback for the first leg of Atletico’s UEFA Champions League semi-final against Arsenal on Wednesday, April 29.

In LaLiga, leaders Barcelona can move 11 points clear when they visit Getafe CF after Real Madrid were held 1-1 by Real Betis on Friday night, April 24.

Madrid looked set for victory after Vinicius Junior pounced on the rebound from Federico Valverde’s effort. But Hector Bellerin struck late to dent their title hopes, leaving them eight points adrift with five matches left.

Manager Alvaro Arbeloa also addressed the withdrawal of Kylian Mbappe during the match. The forward was replaced by Gonzalo Garcia in the 82nd minute while Madrid were still ahead.

“I don’t know. He had some discomfort, and we will see how he progresses in the coming days,” Arbeloa said.

Madrid now turn their attention to a meeting with Espanyol.

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Football World Mourns Demise Of Super Eagles Striker, Michael Eneramo

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April 26, 2026

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The football world is in mourning following the death of former Nigeria international Michael Eneramo, who collapsed during a local friendly match in Kaduna.

It was reports that Michael Eneramo fell on the pitch in Ungwan Yelwa on Friday morning, April 24, after playing the first half of the game. Early reports suggest the 40-year-old ex-Super Eagles forward suffered a cardiac arrest shortly after the restart.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed the news, with general secretary Mohammed Sanusi expressing shock and sympathy.

“This is devastating. I am short of words at this moment. I can only pray that God will grant him eternal rest and also grant his loved ones and the Nigerian football family the fortitude to bear the loss,” Sanusi said.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) also paid tribute, stating, “A respected figure in Nigerian football, his impact on the game will not be forgotten. May his soul rest in peace.”

Eneramo built a strong reputation across Tunisia and Turkey, where he was widely admired for his power and finishing. He enjoyed legendary status at Espérance Sportive de Tunis, who led tributes on social media.

“It is with deep sadness that Espérance Sportive de Tunis bids farewell to one of its legends, Nigerian striker Michael Eneramo, who has just passed away,” the club wrote.

“Indeed, to God we belong and to Him we shall return. May God grant him eternal rest.”

Algerian side USM Alger added, “Farewell, Eneramo, and thank you for everything you gave to the club.”

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Tributes also poured in from Turkey, where Eneramo played for Sivasspor, Beşiktaş, Galatasaray, Istanbul Başakşehir, Karabükspor and Istanbulspor.

Sivasspor said, “We have learned with profound sorrow of the passing of our former footballer Michael Eneramo.”

“He will always be remembered for the battles he fought under our red-and-white jersey. May our late player find mercy from God; we extend our condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Beşiktaş wrote, “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Michael Eneramo. We extend our condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Michael.”

Galatasaray added, “We are saddened to hear the passing of Michael Eneramo who played for multiple clubs in the Turkish Süper Lig.”

“Everyone at Galatasaray SK extends their condolences to his family, friends and the federation of Nigeria.”

Istanbulspor said, “We have learned with profound sorrow the news of the passing of Michael Eneramo, who previously wore the jersey of our national team. We wish him God’s mercy; and offer our condolences to his family, loved ones, and the football community.”

Turkish outlet Haber61 described him as a key figure in the country’s football history, noting he died following a heart attack.

Eneramo earned 10 caps for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, making his debut against Jamaica in London in 2009 and scoring his first international goal against the Republic of Ireland later that year. He also featured in World Cup qualifiers against Kenya and Tunisia, scoring a memorable goal in a 2-2 draw in Abuja.

At the club level, he remains the only Nigerian to score four goals in a single Algerian league match, a feat achieved against OMR El Annasser in 2005.

See also  Osimhen reaches 200 goals as Nigerian women shine abroad

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