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Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has revealed that he contacted the office of the late President Muhammadu Buhari to secure players' bonuses after the 2018 World Cup in Russia, following months of delays by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Speaking on an episode of The Obi One Podcast, Mikel stated that Nigeria's players were owed money earned from qualifying for the tournament and that repeated assurances from officials failed to materialize once the team arrived in camp.
According to Mikel, FIFA releases parachute money ahead of major tournaments, meant to be shared among players, while federations typically borrow funds to settle bonuses early before repaying lenders once FIFA payments arrive.
Mikel said he contacted Abba Kyari, then chief of staff to President Buhari, who intervened, leading to the delivery of millions of dollars in cash to the team's hotel.
He handed the money to the team secretary, ensuring it was distributed to players involved in the World Cup qualifiers. Mikel said his actions angered senior officials, including the then NFF president, who summoned him to a meeting.
Mikel emphasized that the funds were not extra incentives but earnings from qualification, stating, "When you fail, I have to take responsibility because my players need the money. This money is owed. It is not a favour."
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