The former Super Eagles captain and Chelsea legend made the remarks during a podcast hosted by former England striker Peter Crouch, where he criticised the administration of football in Nigeria.
According to John Obi Mikel, many officials occupying key positions in Nigerian football have remained in office for years without delivering meaningful progress.
“We don’t have people that know about football. They occupy their positions year after year, controlling everything. They are reluctant to relinquish their power and the financial benefits that come with it,” Mikel said.
The former midfielder disclosed that he has received several invitations from Nigerian football authorities to return and take up roles within the sport but has consistently rejected the offers.
He explained that he could not work alongside administrators who do not share his objective of improving Nigerian football.
“I have received calls to return and get involved, but I have declined. Those individuals need to go. I cannot work with people who do not share the same objectives as I do,” he stated.
Mikel insisted that Nigeria possesses the talent and resources needed to transform its football fortunes if the game is managed properly.
He stressed that development can be achieved if available funds are invested in the right areas instead of being mismanaged.
“The goal is to improve the standard of football in Nigeria, which can be achieved quite easily. The funds must be allocated to the appropriate areas,” he added.
The former Chelsea star also questioned why some football administrators have remained in office for long periods without significant improvements in the country’s football structure.
Disclaimer: Comments and opinions on any part of this website are the opinions of blog commenters or anonymous individuals, and do not reflect Strenuous Blog position.