November 11, (THEWILL) — The Super Eagles of Nigeria have refused to attend training ahead of their vital 2026 World Cup playoff against Gabon in Morocco. The boycott follows a dispute over unpaid bonuses and allowances that players claim have been outstanding for nearly two years.
The squad arrived at the Rive Hotel in Rabat on Sunday and completed their first training session on Monday without incident. On Tuesday, however, the players declined to take part in further preparations, bringing the unresolved financial grievances to the forefront. The National Sports Commission has since intervened, stating that all previous arrears were settled before Tuesday.
According to some reports, the current standoff centres not on old debts but on fresh demands for special bonuses ahead of the match. Allegedly, some players have pointed to similar financial arrangements made by DR Congo and Gabon with their governments. The team is also seeking payment for the Zimbabwe fixture and camp allowances totalling approximately $100,000.
Super Eagles officials have distanced themselves from the row, insisting the matter lies solely between the players and the Nigeria Football Federation. This position has complicated efforts to find an internal resolution, leaving the issue unresolved at a critical moment.
Hopefully, the dispute can be settled quickly, allowing the team to concentrate fully on the crucial World Cup qualifier. The playoff against Gabon is a significant opportunity for the nation to advance towards qualifying for the 2026 tournament.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
