Sports
Mikel Obi Has No Justification to Call for NFF Board Resignation
By “Odogwu” Patrick Ngwaogu
John Mikel Obi remains one of Nigeria’s most celebrated footballers. As a former captain of the Super Eagles, an Africa Cup of Nations winner in 2013, and a UEFA Champions League medalist with Chelsea, his achievements on the pitch are beyond dispute.
However, success as a player does not confer the right to dictate the leadership structure of football administration in Nigeria.
Following the Super Eagles’ underwhelming showing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers — where the team currently sits third behind South Africa and Benin Republic after eight matches — Mikel Obi publicly called for the resignation of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board. His frustration is understandable, given the team’s performance, but his call lacks both legal and procedural justification.
Despite his legendary status, Mikel is not part of the NFF Congress — the body constitutionally empowered to elect or dissolve the board. He also holds no administrative position and does not represent any official football stakeholder group, such as clubs, state FAs, referees, coaches, or players’ unions. His public opinion, therefore, remains just that — an opinion. Popularity or past glory does not override established governance structures.
Moreover, reducing Nigeria’s football challenges to just the NFF board is simplistic and misleading. National team failures are multi-layered, often involving coaches, technical departments, players commitment, and broader institutional issues. Yes, the NFF has may have its flaws, but the blame cannot rest solely at its feet.
Mikel Obi’s call becomes even more questionable when we consider that he has not played an active role in the development of grassroots or domestic football in Nigeria since retiring. Constructive criticism is welcome, but meaningful change requires engagement, not grandstanding.
Furthermore, his comments ignore the broader challenges facing football administration in Nigeria: inconsistent government funding, infrastructural decay, inadequate support systems, and political interference. It is unfair to expect miracles from an NFF board that must operate within such a constrained and volatile environment.
His timing is also problematic. With two crucial matches remaining in the qualifiers, public calls for the board’s resignation can only breed instability, lower morale, and distract from the task ahead. A former captain of the national team should understand how damaging such disruptions can be to team cohesion and focus.
If Mikel has concerns about how Nigerian football is being run, there are structured channels to express them — including engagements with the National Sports Commission , the NFF Congress, or the appropriate judicial and regulatory bodies. Publicly demanding resignations without due process risks undermining institutional integrity and sets a dangerous precedent.
In conclusion, while Mikel Obi’s passion for Nigerian football is respected, football governance demands structure, law, and patience — not emotions or public pressure.
We understand, Mikel may be doing this to attract more viewers to his social media handles, but even at, Mikel has what it takes to return to the country to support the development of football instead of making noise from outside.
The NFF board should only resign if proven to have failed in its duties by the appropriate bodies, not because a former footballer — no matter how revered — insists so from the sidelines. If Mikel truly wants to influence change, he should invest in the game’s development from the ground up, rather than chase headlines with unsubstantiated demands.
Sports
Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria appoints coaches into various disciplines
Joel Ajayi
The Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria has released the list of 44 coaches to handle the various disciplines in the national teams.
In a statement signed by Rose Verisimo, the Technical Director of GFN, Isaiah Erhunwunse (OLY) has been appointed head coach of the Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG), to be assisted by Bala Magaji Juwara and Anthony Duilemi, while Helen Albert (head coach), Edem Umor Patric, and Emmanuel Enejo will be in charge of the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG).
In Trampoline, DMT, and Tumbling (DMT & PT), Dorcas Abel will handle the senior men as head coach and will be assisted by Osamudiamwenam Amennaghawon, while Osasu Obasohan, Godwin Bamidele, and Awokunle Ojo are in charge of the senior women.
In the Aerobics Gymnastic, Edina Ahue has been appointed head coach Senior Team, to be assisted by David West Tamunuosaki and Jennifer Eke while, Michael Ocheke is the head coach of the junior team, to be assisted by Dimeji Aluko and Toyosi Glory Adeyemi.
President of the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria, Prince Kelvin Erhunwunse explained that the various coaches were carefully selected because they have distinguished themselves in their respective disciplines.
He said: “These appointments were made based on merit, dedication, and the track records of the individuals. We have absolute confidence that these coaches possess the requisite experience and passion to elevate Nigerian gymnastics to unprecedented heights.”
Erhunwunse revealed that the federation’s ultimate target is to have more athletes win medals for Nigeria at various international championships and ultimately qualify a formidable contingent for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
He said: “Our primary goal is clear: we want to produce world-class athletes who will not only dominate the African continent but also stand on the podium at the global stage.
“Preparation for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics begins now, and we are putting the right technical crew in place to achieve this vision.”
He further charged the newly appointed coaches to see their roles as a patriotic call to duty.
The UAG Vice President said: “I urge all our coaches to view this appointment as a sacred call to serve our fatherland. We expect high levels of discipline, professionalism, and teamwork as you groom the next generation of Nigerian gymnastics.”
Full List of Appointees
Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG)
Senior Team:
Helen Albert (Head Coach)
Edem Umor Patric (Assistant Coach Emmanuel Enejo (Assistant Coach 2)
Junior Team:
Abosede Olatundun Oladele (Head Coach)
Deborah Ajiboye (Assistant Coach 1)
Noel Egbunu (Assistant Coach 2)
Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG)
Senior Team:
Isaiah Oni Erhunwunse (Head Coach)
Bala Magaji Juwara (Assistant Coach 1)
Anthony Duilemi (Assistant Coach 2)
Junior Team:
Kennedy Osawaro (Head Coach)
Jimoh Wasiu (Assistant Coach 1)
Jimoh Azeez (Assistant Coach 2)
Aerobics Gymnastics
Senior Team:
Edina Ahue (Head Coach)
Devid West Tamunuosaki (Assistant Coach 1)
Jennifer Eke (Assistant Coach 2)
Junior Team:
Michael Ocheke (Head Coach)
Dimeji Aluko (Assistant Coach 1)
Toyosi Glory Adeyemi (Assistant Coach 2)
Trampoline, DMT, and Tumbling (DMT & PT)
Senior Men:
Dorcas Abel (Head Coach)
Osamudiamwenam Amennaghawon (Assistant Coach 1)
Senior Women:
Osasu Obasohan (Head Coach)
Godwin Bamidele (Assistant Coach 1)
Awokunle Ojo (Assistant Coach 2)
Junior Men:
Michael Jos (Head Coach)
Stephen Taiwo (Assistant Coach 1)
Christopher Akhidenor (Assistant Coach 2)
Junior Women:
Adekemi Ademuwagun (Head Coach)
David Egbunu (Assistant Coach 1)
Ashiagu Charles (Assistant Coach 2)
Parkour (PK)
Senior Women:Victoria Itodo (Head Coach)
Senior Men: Olorunfemi Samuel Adeyemi (Head Coach)
Junior Men:Davidson Erhunwunse (Head Coach)
Women’s Team: Stephen Soyimiegha (Assistant Coach 1)
Acrobatics
Senior Team:
Elkana Sabo (Head Coach)
Friday Omigie (Assistant Coach 1)
Junior Team:
Kunle Adedoyin (Head Coach)
Amos Dauda (Assistant Coach 1)
Rhythmic Gymnastics
Senior Team & General Coordinator:
Cathrine Sasode (Head Coach)
Valentina Ojo (Assistant Coach 1)
Junior Team:
Chinedu Oyegbata (Head Coach)
Praise Amsey (Assistant Coach 1)
Gymnastics for All & Administration
Gymnastics for All Coordinators:
Lesli Amadi (Head Coach)
Kayode Olusegun Adesola (Assistant Coach 1)
Maureen Ugiagbe (Assistant Coach 2)
Safeguard Officer: Dr. Uwa Anthonia
Anti-Doping Officer: Mrs. Mary Ibrahim
Technical Director: Rose Verisimo (Technical Director, GFN)
Gymnastics Developmental Director: Otasowie Alexander Erhunwunse
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