Nigeria’s preparations for Thursday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa playoff against Gabon have been disrupted after the Super Eagles and their officials boycotted training in Rabat, Morocco, on Tuesday over unresolved bonus payments.
The team, currently in camp with 23 players, withheld participation in the scheduled session, citing long-standing financial grievances with football authorities. The dispute comes less than 48 hours before the first semi-final of the playoff tournament at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium, a match that could define Nigeria’s route to the expanded 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
In a joint statement signed by players and staff, the squad said:
“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 unpaid allowances reportedly date back several years, including bonuses from previous international competitions and qualifying campaigns. Players and staff are said to be frustrated by continuous delays and what they describe as unfulfilled promises regarding their entitlements.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has yet to issue an official statement, though discussions are believed to be underway to resolve the impasse. At the time of filing this report, the players were still holding out for a resolution before resuming training.
The Super Eagles’ camp includes key players such as Victor Osimhen, William Troost-Ekong, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze, and Ademola Lookman, with goalkeeper Maduka Okoye expected to join shortly.
Prior to the disruption, training had been upbeat, with head coach Eric Chelle focusing on tactical drills and set piece routines following the arrival of Osimhen on Tuesday. However, the ongoing payment dispute now casts a shadow over Nigeria’s build up to one of its most significant fixtures in recent years.
Nigeria will face Gabon on Thursday in Rabat, while Cameroon and DR Congo meet in the other semi final in El-Barid. Winners of both ties will advance to the final on November 16, with the victor earning a place in the interconfederation playoffs for a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
Ademide Adebayo
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