By Barnabas Augustine
Furore Over Dual Nationality Comments Leads to Mikel's Candid Podcast
Former Nigerian footballing hero Mikel Obi has lifted the lid on a chaotic experience leading up to the 2016 Rio Olympics. In a recent podcast appearance, Mikel, responding to criticism over his comments regarding dual-nationality players, exposed administrative failures that nearly derailed the Olympic dream for Nigeria's under-23 team.
"Stuck at the Airport": Mikel Pays for Flight to Ensure Team Participation
Mikel revealed a tense stand-off between the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and the Olympic committee. "We were literally stuck at the airport for hours," he recounted, "waiting for a flight to Rio. Apparently, there was a dispute about who would pay for it."
With time ticking and the Olympics on the horizon, Mikel took matters into his own hands. "There was no flight, so I ended up paying for it myself," he stated. "These are just some of the little things we had to deal with."
Beyond Flights: Hospitality Woes Revealed
Mikel's revelations continued beyond the flight fiasco. He confessed to instances where the NFF provided subpar accommodation. "The hotels they booked were simply unacceptable," he said. "For the sake of the team's performance, I had to pay for better lodgings myself."
Lessons Learned? NFF's Recent Improvement Highlighted
Despite the past troubles, Mikel acknowledged a positive shift. "It seems the NFF has gotten its act together in recent years," he noted, "their logistics seem much more reliable."