Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has disclosed how he intervened to resolve the issue of unpaid qualification bonuses owed to Nigerian players during the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel explained that the squad had been promised payment by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), but delays persisted even after the team arrived in camp.
Anxiety grew among players, who feared they might never receive the money once the tournament ended.
Mikel said he escalated the matter by contacting Abba Kyari, then Chief of Staff to late President Muhammadu Buhari. Within 24 hours, a private plane reportedly delivered millions of dollars in cash directly to the team’s hotel.
“Talking about fighting for players’ bonuses, I went above the president of the NFF to get those bonuses, which is what I did a couple of times during the World Cup,” he revealed.
Leadership Beyond the Pitch
Mikel recounted that he personally handed the cash to the team secretary with strict instructions to ensure it was not diverted.
“Make sure this money does not go to the president or anyone else. This money belongs to the players,” he said.
The former Chelsea midfielder noted that the issue had begun months before the tournament, with repeated assurances from officials that the bonuses would be settled once the team assembled.
His decisive action, he explained, was necessary to maintain morale and trust within the squad.
Praised throughout his career for his leadership, Mikel’s account sheds light on the behind-the-scenes challenges faced by Nigerian players at major international competitions.
His intervention not only secured the promised funds but also reinforced his role as a captain who fought for his teammates both on and off the pitch.
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