Ex-Super Eagles captain Mikel gets Fox World Cup job

Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has been selected as one of the analysts for Fox Television’s coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, adding another major broadcasting role to his post-retirement football career.

The former Nigerian international, who captained the Super Eagles and enjoyed a successful club career in Europe, will join a panel of respected football personalities expected to provide match analysis, tactical breakdowns and expert opinions throughout the competition.

Mikel will work alongside several globally recognised football legends, including Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Peter Schmeichel, Clarence Seedorf, Clint Dempsey and Javier Hernández.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to kick off on June 11 and is expected to attract millions of viewers around the world.

Fox Television’s coverage team will play a key role in delivering expert commentary, pre-match discussions and post-match analysis during the tournament.

Mikel’s appointment is seen as another major recognition of his standing in world football.

Since retiring from active football, he has remained involved in the game through media appearances, interviews and football discussions, sharing his experience from both club and international competitions.

During his playing career, Mikel became one of Nigeria’s most successful football exports.

He represented the Super Eagles at multiple international tournaments and was widely praised for his calm presence in midfield, leadership qualities and ability to perform on big occasions.

His inclusion in Fox’s World Cup broadcast team also highlights the growing presence of African football voices in global sports media as anticipation continues to build ahead of the 2026 tournament.