In a no-holds-barred episode of *The Obi One Podcast*, former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel gave an explosive account of how he bypassed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to secure World Cup bonuses for the national team in 2018, citing deep-rooted corruption within the football body.
Mikel revealed that the NFF repeatedly failed to fulfill promises regarding player payments ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Frustrated by the delays, he reached out directly to the Nigerian presidency through then-Chief of Staff, the late Abba Kyari, a move that yielded results within 24 hours.
“Leading up to the World Cup, we were owed money,” Mikel said. “We had been asking for this money for months before the tournament. They kept telling me, ‘Oh, Mikel, don’t worry, the money will be sorted when you come to camp.'”
As the situation persisted, Mikel took the initiative to reach out to the late Abba Kyari, who was then the Chief of Staff to President Buhari. He emphasized the urgency of the matter, highlighting the players’ growing concerns over the unpaid bonuses.
“I called him and said, ‘Mr. Chief of Staff, we have a serious issue in the national team. We need this money to settle the players. This is what was promised.'”
Following this intervention, Mikel reported that within 24 hours, a private jet delivered the funds directly to the team’s hotel. He ensured that the money was handed over to the team secretary for distribution among the players.
“I took the money and handed it to the team secretary and told him to hold it. I said, ‘Make sure this money does not go to the (NFF) president or anyone else. This money belongs to the players.'”
Mikel’s actions reportedly caused friction with NFF officials, who felt undermined by his direct approach. However, he defended his decision, asserting that his primary responsibility was to his teammates.
“When you fail, I have to take responsibility because my players need the f**king money,” Mikel said. “This money is owed. It is not a favour.”
“Sometimes the presidency or people in power don’t listen to them (NFF) because they know they are so corrupt,” Mikel said on the podcast. “When you give them that kind of money, the money doesn’t go to where it’s supposed to go to, and that’s why I made that phone call.”
Nigeria participated in the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where they were eliminated at the group stage. Mikel retired from international football in 2019, concluding a distinguished career that included 91 caps, an Africa Cup of Nations title in 2013, and an Olympic bronze medal in 2016.
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