Nigeria’s Super Eagles Boycott Training Over Unpaid Bonuses
The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, has refused to participate in their training session in Rabat, Morocco, due to unpaid bonuses, casting a shadow over their preparations for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa play-off semi-final match against Gabon. The players and technical staff are demanding the resolution of outstanding payments reportedly owed since 2019, including bonuses for reaching the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and qualifying for the World Cup play-offs.
The situation has caused significant disruption in the team’s preparations, with the squad and officials issuing a statement emphasizing their refusal to train until the unresolved payment issues are addressed. They expressed frustration with “empty promises” from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Journalists covering the team have confirmed the boycott, highlighting the tense atmosphere in the camp.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to face Gabon on November 13 at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in Rabat. To advance to the playoff final, Nigeria must win this semi-final, with the overall winner earning a spot in the intercontinental World Cup play-offs against either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo. The current squad in Morocco includes key players such as captain William Troost-Ekong, forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka, and defenders Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi.
The NFF has yet to make a formal public response, although negotiations are reportedly ongoing behind the scenes. This boycott reflects broader issues within Nigerian football regarding player welfare and federation transparency, intensified by earlier reports showing poor accommodation conditions for the team in Morocco. The Nigeria Football Federation’s handling of player payments and welfare has been under scrutiny, with concerns raised about the impact on team morale and performance.
The team’s boycott has significant implications for their World Cup qualification campaign, with the playoff semi-final against Gabon just days away. The Nigeria Football Federation will need to address the outstanding payment issues and resolve the dispute to ensure the team’s participation in the upcoming match. The outcome of this situation will be closely watched by football fans and stakeholders, as the Super Eagles aim to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.