Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has called for stronger football structures and increased investment across Africa, insisting the continent has enough talent to compete with the world’s best.
Mikel believes the continued emergence of African players in Europe’s major leagues is evidence of the continent’s enormous football potential. He pointed to countries such as Morocco, Senegal and Nigeria as examples of nations producing players capable of performing at the highest level.
The former Chelsea midfielder, however, stressed that individual talent must be supported by effective systems if African countries are to consistently challenge the established football powers.
“African football has the talent, but talent alone is not enough. We need the right structures, investment and environment to develop these players properly.”
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Mikel highlighted the progress made by Morocco, particularly their historic run to the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, as evidence of what can happen when talent is combined with organisation and proper preparation.
He also noted the increasing transfer value of African players, with many of the continent’s leading stars now commanding significant fees and playing important roles at some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
According to Mikel, the next challenge is ensuring that similar levels of investment are made into grassroots development, academies, coaching, infrastructure and football administration across the continent.
The former Nigeria international has previously argued that African nations must improve their preparation and organisation if they are to turn their individual quality into collective success at the World Cup.
“When you look at what African players are doing around the world, the quality is there. What we need now is to build the structures around that talent,” he added.
Mikel’s comments come amid renewed discussions about the future of African football and the need for stronger systems capable of retaining and developing young talents.
For the former Super Eagles captain, Africa’s challenge is no longer about discovering talent but creating the conditions that allow that talent to reach its full potential.
