𝐌𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐥 𝐛𝐲𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐅𝐅, 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐁𝐮𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟖 𝐖’𝐂𝐮𝐩 𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐬
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Former Super Eagles captain, John Obi Mikel, has revealed how he personally contacted the office of then-President Muhammadu Buhari over the 2018 FIFA World Cup bonus, bypassing the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Mikel disclosed that after repeated delays and concerns over unpaid allowances, he reached out directly through Buhari’s Chief of Staff, the late Abba Kyari, to ensure that players received their bonuses on time.
Speaking on the decision, Mikel explained that as team captain, he felt a responsibility to protect the welfare of his teammates and to keep the team focused during the tournament in Russia.
“The delays were affecting our morale, so I had to take matters into my own hands and contact the President’s office,” Mikel said. “It was never about politics; it was about ensuring the team stayed motivated and ready for the World Cup.”
The revelation has sparked reactions among football fans and analysts, with many praising Mikel’s leadership and commitment to the team, while others criticized the NFF for the delays that necessitated such a move.
Mikel’s disclosure sheds light on behind-the-scenes efforts by players to secure their entitlements and highlights the challenges that Nigerian footballers often face in dealing with administrative hurdles.
