Mikel Reveals How Buhari’s Intervention Secured Super Eagles’ World Cup Bonuses

Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has disclosed that he bypassed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and directly contacted the office of then-President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure players received their overdue bonuses following the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Speaking on “The Obi One Podcast”, Mikel detailed how months of delays by the NFF prompted his extraordinary intervention. He explained that players were owed money earned from qualifying for the tournament, with repeated assurances from officials failing to materialise once the team was in camp.

“Talking about fighting for players’ bonuses, I went above the president of the NFF to get those bonuses,” Mikel stated. He elaborated that FIFA typically provides “parachute money” ahead of major tournaments for player distribution, with federations often borrowing to settle bonuses before FIFA payments arrive.

Mikel recounted players’ growing concern as days passed without payment. With no resolution from the NFF, he contacted the late Abba Kyari, then Chief of Staff to President Buhari. “I called him and said, ‘Mr Chief of Staff, we have a serious issue in the national team.

We need this money to settle the players. This is what was promised.'”

Within 24 hours, Mikel said, “a private plane arrived. The money was delivered to the hotel, hand to hand. Millions of dollars.” He personally ensured the funds were distributed to the players involved in the World Cup qualifiers the following day, bypassing NFF officials.

Mikel’s actions reportedly angered senior NFF figures, including the then-president, who summoned him. “They said, ‘Mikel, why did you do this? You’ve made us look like idiots,’” he recalled. Mikel retorted, “When you fail, I have to take responsibility because my players need the money. This money is owed. It is not a favour.”

Nigeria exited the 2018 World Cup at the group stage. Mikel, who retired from international duty a year later, earned 91 caps for Nigeria, winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013.