Nigeria’s Super Eagles have boycotted training in Rabat, Morocco, just 48 hours before their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff match against Gabon, over unpaid allowances and bonuses.
The entire squad, including players and backroom staff, refused to participate in Tuesday’s training session due to unresolved financial issues with football authorities.
In a joint statement reportedly issued by players and team officials, they confirmed the boycott, stating:
“The full squad, including officials, withheld from training today in Morocco because of unresolved issues with outstanding payments. The Super Eagles are awaiting a quick resolution to continue preparations for Thursday’s game with Gabon.”
The standoff comes at a critical time as Nigeria prepares to face Gabon in the semi-final of the World Cup Africa Playoff Tournament at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Rabat. The outcome of the match will be pivotal in determining Nigeria’s qualification path for the expanded 2026 World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Before the disruption, the team’s camp had shown signs of growing optimism following the arrival of Victor Osimhen, the 2023 African Player of the Year, who joined 22 other players in Rabat earlier on Tuesday. Training sessions had reportedly focused on tactical formations, pressing transitions, and set-piece coordination.
However, the ongoing financial dispute has now cast a shadow over Nigeria’s preparations. Players are said to be frustrated over delayed appearance fees and unpaid bonuses from previous international matches.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has yet to release an official statement on the issue, though sources indicate that discussions are underway to resolve the matter before Wednesday’s training session.
The Super Eagles currently have 23 players in camp, including Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze, and Ademola Lookman, with goalkeeper Maduka Okoye expected to arrive soon.
Earlier this week, the NFF lodged a protest with FIFA over the appointment of South African and Beninese match officials for the Gabon tie, citing potential bias due to both nations’ involvement in Nigeria’s previous qualifying group.
The Super Eagles are expected to resume training once the payment impasse is resolved, as head coach Eric Chelle aims to rally his full squad for Thursday’s decisive encounter.
