The captain of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, William Troost-Ekong, has confirmed that the team boycotted training on Tuesday in protest over unpaid allowances and bonuses owed to them by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The players’ decision came just days before their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier play-off against Gabon, set to take place in Rabat, Morocco.
In a statement shared on his official X handle, Troost-Ekong clarified that the team’s action was not motivated by new or additional demands, but rather a call for the settlement of outstanding entitlements long due to the squad.
“Once resolution is found, we will be the first to confirm. Any other statement/claim or especially demands other than the rightful request written about below is FALSE. All we want and continue to do is focus on the big games ahead,” he wrote.
The confirmation from the captain followed widespread reports that the entire Super Eagles squad, including technical staff, had refused to participate in Tuesday’s training session over the unresolved payments.
The boycott has raised concerns about the team’s morale ahead of Thursday’s crucial match, which could determine Nigeria’s qualification path for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Super Eagles’ training camp officially opened in Rabat on Monday, with 23 players already in camp as of Tuesday afternoon. Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was the only player yet to join the team.
Those currently in Morocco include Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, William Troost-Ekong, Benjamin Fredericks, and Chidozie Awaziem.
Others are Amas Obasogie, Stanley Nwabali, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Raphael Onyedika, Zaidu Sanusi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Victor Osimhen.
The NFF has yet to release an official statement addressing the dispute, though internal sources suggest that discussions are underway to resolve the financial impasse before the upcoming match.
What You Should Know
William Troost-Ekong, who captained Nigeria to a bronze finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, has been a consistent voice advocating for players’ welfare.
The current dispute highlights ongoing tensions between the Super Eagles and the NFF over unpaid allowances—an issue that has repeatedly surfaced before major tournaments and qualifiers.
