Nigeria’s build-up to Thursday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon has hit a major setback after Super Eagles players and officials boycotted training in Rabat on Tuesday over unpaid allowances and bonuses.
According to reports, the entire squad, including technical and backroom staff, refused to participate in the day’s session due to unresolved financial issues with the football authorities.
In a joint statement reportedly released by the players and officials, the team confirmed the boycott, stating, “The full squad including officials withheld from training today in Morocco because of the unresolved issues with outstanding payments. The Super Eagles are awaiting a quick resolution to continue preparations for Thursday’s game with Gabon.”
The development comes just two days before Nigeria faces Gabon in the semi-final of the World Cup Africa Playoff Tournament at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat. The result of the match will play a decisive role in determining Nigeria’s qualification path for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Before the disruption, the team’s morale appeared high following the arrival of Victor Osimhen on Tuesday. The 2023 African Player of the Year joined 22 other players in camp, boosting optimism within the squad. Training sessions had been intense and focused on tactical execution, transitions, and set-piece drills under the supervision of head coach Eric Chelle.
However, the ongoing payment dispute has disrupted preparations, with players reportedly expressing dissatisfaction over delayed bonuses and appearance fees from previous international matches.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has not yet released an official statement, though sources indicate that talks are underway to resolve the standoff before Wednesday’s final training session.
The current 23-man camp includes key players such as Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze, and Ademola Lookman, with goalkeeper Maduka Okoye expected to arrive soon.
The timing of the protest compounds Nigeria’s already tense preparations. Earlier this week, the NFF filed a protest with FIFA challenging the appointment of South African and Beninese officials to officiate the Gabon match, citing potential conflicts of interest based on previous qualifying encounters.
If the financial impasse is resolved in time, the Super Eagles are expected to resume training on Wednesday, giving coach Eric Chelle his full complement of 24 players, including Okoye, for what is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most critical matches in recent years.
What you should know
The Super Eagles’ training boycott in Rabat marks another episode in Nigeria’s recurring dispute over unpaid bonuses—a problem that has plagued the national team for years.
Head coach Eric Chelle now faces the challenge of restoring team focus ahead of a must-win playoff that could define Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup journey.
The Nigeria Football Federation has yet to publicly address the situation, but swift resolution is essential to prevent further disruption to the team’s campaign.
