Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has revealed a dramatic intervention at the highest government level to secure outstanding player bonuses for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, bypassing the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Mikel detailed on his “Obi One Podcast” how he contacted the office of President Muhammadu Buhari after months of delays by the NFF, leading to the swift delivery of millions of dollars in cash to the team’s hotel.

This unprecedented move occurred just days after the tournament commenced in Russia, highlighting a significant breakdown in the NFF’s financial management and player welfare protocols. Mikel expressed strong criticism of the federation, citing a history of failures in ensuring timely payments to national team players, a recurring issue that threatened team morale and focus.

Mikel explained that FIFA typically provides “parachute money” for major tournaments, funds that football federations are expected to utilize, sometimes through advance borrowing, to settle player bonuses. These payments are then expected to be reimbursed later. However, he stated that the Super Eagles were owed money for months leading up to the 2018 World Cup.

Despite repeated assurances from NFF officials that the bonuses would be settled upon the team’s assembly, Mikel found himself fielding constant questions from players concerned about their payments. The situation escalated as the tournament approached, with players expressing anxiety about potentially never receiving their dues once the competition concluded.

Facing a critical impasse and with no resolution forthcoming from the NFF, Mikel decided to escalate the matter. He contacted Abba Kyari, then Chief of Staff to President Buhari, to highlight the “serious issue” within the national team and the urgent need to disburse the promised funds to the players.

The response was remarkably swift. Within 24 hours, a private jet reportedly delivered the substantial sum in cash directly to the team’s hotel. Mikel personally received the money and immediately handed it over to the team secretary, ensuring its secure distribution to the players and preventing any potential misappropriation or interference.

Mikel’s direct intervention, while resolving the immediate financial crisis, reportedly angered top NFF officials, including the then president. They confronted Mikel, expressing dismay at his actions and suggesting he had undermined their authority and made them appear incompetent.

In his defense, Mikel stated that he had repeatedly attempted to resolve the issue through official channels for months and had given the NFF the benefit of the doubt. He emphasized that the money owed was not a favor but a contractual obligation, and as captain, he had a responsibility to ensure his players received what they were due.

Beyond the World Cup bonus saga, Mikel also touched upon recent events, including the surprising retirement of defender William Troost-Ekong from international football. He described the timing as suspicious and uncharacteristic for a player he knows to be deeply passionate about representing Nigeria.

Mikel voiced his conviction that significant structural changes are imperative within the NFF for Nigerian football to progress. He lamented that the nation’s immense talent and potential are being squandered due to the alleged greed and incompetence of individuals leading the federation, who lack the vision and understanding to properly develop the sport.

His candid remarks underscore a deep-seated frustration with the administration of football in Nigeria, suggesting that a fundamental overhaul of leadership and practices is essential to move the sport forward and unlock its true potential for the benefit of players and the nation.

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Keywords: Mikel Obi, John Obi Mikel, 2018 World Cup, Super Eagles, NFF, Nigerian football, player bonuses, Muhammadu Buhari, Abba Kyari, William Troost-Ekong