Mikel Obi Reveals How He Secured Unpaid World Cup Bonuses for Super Eagles Players.
Former Nigerian international John Mikel Obi has opened up about the dramatic steps he took to ensure that the Super Eagles players received their unpaid bonuses ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel detailed how months of delays and repeated assurances from officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) forced him to escalate the matter.
According to Mikel, the problem began long before the tournament. Players were owed qualification bonuses for months, yet despite repeated follow-ups, they continued to face delays. Officials assured him that the payments would be made once the team arrived in camp.
“Leading up to the World Cup, we were owed money. We had been asking for this money for months before the tournament. They kept telling me, ‘Oh, Mikel, don’t worry, the money will be sorted when you come to camp.’ I said, ‘Okay, no problem, but make sure the money is there because the players are asking me about their bonuses,’” he recounted.
Upon arrival in camp, Mikel followed up with both the team secretary and the NFF president, only to receive the same assurances. Days passed, and the anxiety among the players grew, with fears that the bonuses might never materialize after the World Cup concluded.
Faced with this uncertainty, Mikel decided to escalate the issue beyond the football federation. He contacted Abba Kyari, then Chief of Staff to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, seeking immediate intervention to secure the players’ bonuses.
“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.’ Twenty-four hours later, a private plane arrived. The money was delivered to the hotel, hand to hand. Millions of dollars,” Mikel disclosed.
The funds were delivered swiftly and discreetly, allowing the team to focus on their preparations for the World Cup. Mikel emphasized that the money was intended solely for the players, and he took personal responsibility to ensure it was secured properly.
“I took the money and handed it to the team secretary and told him to hold it. I said, ‘Make sure this money does not go to the president or anyone else. This money belongs to the players,’” he said.
Mikel’s account sheds light on the persistent issues surrounding player payments and administration in Nigerian football. Despite official assurances, the players had faced a prolonged period of uncertainty, highlighting gaps in accountability within the federation.
The former Chelsea and Nigeria midfielder’s decisive action ensured that the players received their deserved bonuses before the tournament began. It also underscores the important role senior and respected players can play in advocating for their teammates, especially in high-stakes situations such as the World Cup.
Beyond the immediate financial relief, Mikel’s story reveals the high-pressure environment players often navigate, where delays and administrative inefficiencies can threaten morale and focus. By taking matters into his own hands, he not only protected the team’s interests but also ensured that players could concentrate fully on their performances on the world stage.
Reflecting on the incident, Mikel’s recounting demonstrates a rare level of responsibility and foresight, emphasizing how leadership within a squad can extend beyond the pitch. His intervention highlights the intersection of football, bureaucracy, and even politics in ensuring that players’ rights are protected.
The story of the 2018 World Cup bonuses remains one of the more remarkable behind-the-scenes accounts in Nigerian football history. While fans witnessed the Super Eagles compete on a global stage, very few were aware of the logistical and administrative battles unfolding off the field. Thanks to Mikel Obi, these challenges were resolved quickly, and the players received what was rightfully theirs.
