Former Super Eagles midfielder Mikel Obi has exposed failures by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), revealing he paid for the team’s flight to the 2016 Rio Olympics and covered accommodation costs. His revelations highlight serious logistical and financial mismanagement issues.
Former Super Eagles midfielder Mikel Obi has recently disclosed that he covered the costs of the Nigerian football team's flight to the 2016 Rio Olympics. This revelation emerged amid a wave of criticism Mikel faced after making controversial remarks about dual-nationality players.
In a candid discussion on his podcast, Mikel shared his frustrations with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC). He recounted how the team faced significant delays at the airport due to disorganized logistics and disputes over who would cover the travel expenses. With no available flights and the NFF reluctant to fund the trip, Mikel took it upon himself to ensure the team reached Brazil.
The former Chelsea player also criticized the NFF for inadequate accommodation arrangements during his tenure. Mikel revealed that the substandard hotels provided by the federation often forced him to independently secure better lodging for the players, aiming to create a more comfortable environment conducive to performance.
Despite these challenges, Mikel acknowledged improvements in recent years within the NFF’s logistical operations. His revelations shed light on the behind-the-scenes issues that plagued Nigerian football, emphasizing the need for better management practices in the sport.
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