Former Super Eagles captain and football legend John Mikel Obi has revealed that he is yet to be reimbursed by the Nigerian government for the ₦50 million he personally spent to ensure the national football team’s participation in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
In a recent interview, Mikel disclosed that he paid for a chartered flight to Brazil for the Nigerian U-23 Olympic football team when it became clear that logistical failures and internal delays within the Nigerian sports ministry would prevent the team from reaching the tournament in time.
“I had to do what was necessary. The team was stranded. The government promised they would refund me but up till now, nothing,” Mikel stated.
The Nigerian Olympic football team, coached at the time by Samson Siasia, was on the verge of missing its opening match due to travel issues caused by poor planning and lack of funding. With time running out and players left frustrated in Atlanta, where they had been training, Mikel consulted Coach Siasia and agreed to personally fund the charter flight.
“I spoke with Coach Siasia, and we both agreed something had to be done. We couldn’t just sit there,” Mikel said.
That last-minute intervention saved Nigeria from international embarrassment, and the team went on to win bronze at the Rio Games Nigeria’s only medal at the 2016 Olympics.
According to Mikel, the expenses he covered had been officially included in the 2016 national budget, but he alleged that “powerful individuals in government diverted the funds,” leaving him to bear the cost alone.
“The money was there. It was captured. But some people chose to do what they always do steal from the country, even at the expense of national pride.”
The revelation has triggered outrage on social media, with many Nigerians praising Mikel’s patriotism while criticizing the systemic mismanagement that continues to plague Nigerian sports administration.
Human rights groups and sports advocacy organizations have since called for an official investigation into the matter, demanding accountability and urging the current administration to honor its debt to one of Nigeria’s most decorated footballers.
“Mikel deserves not just reimbursement, but national recognition for stepping up when others failed,” said Emmanuel Okon, a sports policy analyst in Abuja.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has yet to respond publicly to Mikel’s claims, but sources say internal discussions are now underway amid growing public pressure.
Mikel Obi, who captained the Super Eagles and starred at Chelsea FC for over a decade, has long been known for his quiet generosity and leadership. His latest revelation adds to a legacy of service beyond the pitch though many now argue he should not have had to make that sacrifice in the first place.
As Nigeria prepares for future Olympic participation, this incident has once again spotlighted the urgent need for transparent and accountable sports governance.
