Ronaldinho Asked Me Why Super Eagles Didn’t Qualify For World Cup – Okocha

Former Super Eagles captain Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha has revealed that Brazil football legend Ronaldinho questioned him about Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Nigeria missed out on the tournament after Eric Chelle’s side lost to DR Congo in the African play-off final.

Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, Okocha praised former Super Eagles midfielder John Mikel Obi for speaking openly about issues involving the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

ALSO READ:

• Burna Boy Names Jay Jay Okocha As His Greatest Footballer Of All Time
• EPL: You’ve Zero Champions League Titles – Obi Mikel Mocks Arsenal Fans Over Vinicius

Okocha said it was difficult for him to publicly criticize the football federation because of his relationship with the NFF president.

He said, “Kudos to you, John Mikel, you’re speaking up against the Nigerian Federation.

“I live in Nigeria, and the NFF president is my friend, so it’s difficult to speak up.

“I get asked by my colleagues like Ronaldinho why Nigeria hasn’t qualified for the World Cup.”

The former captain’s comments come amid continued discussions over Nigeria’s failure to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup, despite having several experienced players in the squad.