Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has revealed that he is yet to be reimbursed by the Nigerian government for personally funding the national football team’s participation in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
This revelation was made during a recent interview on a podcast hosted by former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch, where Mikel recounted his financial intervention during a critical moment in the tournament.
According to Mikel, he spent over ₦50 million (approximately $112,000 at the time) to cover flights and other logistics for the Nigerian Olympic football team, who were reportedly at risk of missing their opening match against Japan due to logistical failures. The former Chelsea midfielder stated that he consulted with the team’s coach before deciding to finance a chartered flight that ensured the squad’s timely arrival in Brazil.
Despite assurances and the fact that the Olympic team’s logistics had already been included in the 2016 federal budget, Mikel claimed that government officials had allegedly diverted the allocated funds. As of 2025, nearly a decade after the incident, he confirmed that no repayment has been made.
The disclosure has reignited public debate around accountability and the mismanagement of sports funding in Nigeria, with many expressing disappointment over the government’s continued failure to honor its obligations to national heroes.
Peter Crouch said; “There is a story where you paid for everyone’s flight.”
Mikel responded; “Yeah, for the Olympics, again we talk about the corruption. There was no money to pay for the flight, for most of these players, it is their first time going for a major tournament.”
He continues; “So I thought, why not?, we got there and to this day, I still have not received reimbursement.”
Crouch interjected; “Wait, so you got a medal and have still not been paid”
Mikel said; “Nope”.
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