Nigeria’s Super Eagles refused to train on Tuesday in Rabat, Morocco, due to unresolved issues over unpaid bonuses dating back to 2019, creating serious concern ahead of Thursday’s crucial 2026 World Cup play-off against Gabon.
The players and technical crew reportedly agreed to halt training until the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) settles their outstanding allowances. These include bonuses for qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and reaching the current World Cup play-offs.
A statement said to have been signed by both the players and officials read:
“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 preparation for Thursday’s game with Gabon. Thank you. From the players.”
Sports photojournalist Sulaimon Adebayo, who is currently covering the team in Morocco, also confirmed the boycott.
Attempts to get a comment from NFF Communications Director, Ademola Olajire, and Super Eagles media officer, Promise Efoghe, were unsuccessful, as neither had responded at the time of filing this report.
The current squad in camp includes 23 players such as captain William Troost-Ekong, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke, Wilfred Ndidi, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, and others.
Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is the only player yet to arrive.
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The team had its first full training session on Monday with 14 players, before the boycott disrupted further preparation. Sevilla duo Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke did not participate in that session, while Lookman arrived later in the afternoon.
The camp officially opened on Sunday at the Rive Hotel in Rabat.
Nigeria will face Gabon on Thursday at the 22,000-capacity Moulay Hassan Stadium, while Cameroon and DR Congo will clash in the other semi-final at El-Barid Stadium.
Winners of both matches will meet on November 16 to decide who proceeds to the inter-confederation play-offs for a slot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
