Super Eagles
Nigeria’s preparations for Thursday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon hit a major hurdle on Tuesday as the Super Eagles players and officials boycotted the training in Rabat over unsettled allowances and bonuses. Reports said that the entire squad, along with backroom staff, declined to participate in training due to longstanding financial grievances with football authorities.
In a brief statement reportedly shared jointly by players and officials, the team said, “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 protest comes just two days ahead of Nigeria’s semi-final clash with Gabon at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat. The outcome of this fixture could significantly influence Nigeria’s qualification chances for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Prior to the disruption, the team’s camp had shown promising momentum following the arrival of Victor Osimhen on Tuesday. The 2023 African Player of the Year joined 22 other players in Morocco, bringing fresh optimism to head coach Eric Chelle’s squad. Training sessions before the boycott had been intense, focusing on tactical shape, pressing transitions, and set-piece routines.
However, the disagreement over payments has now clouded the team’s preparations. Players are reportedly frustrated over delayed bonuses and appearance fees from previous international duties. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has yet to make an official statement, though discussions are reportedly underway to resolve the issue swiftly.
The Super Eagles currently have 23 players in camp, including Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze, and Ademola Lookman, with goalkeeper Maduka Okoye expected to join shortly. The incident adds to an already tense build-up for one of Nigeria’s most critical matches in recent years.
Earlier this week, the NFF also lodged a protest with FIFA regarding the appointment of South African and Beninese match officials for the Gabon game, raising concerns over neutrality given both countries’ participation in Nigeria’s previous qualifying group.
The Super Eagles are expected to return to training on Wednesday, pending resolution of the financial dispute, as they look to stay focused ahead of Thursday’s must-win encounter. If resolved in time, head coach Eric Chelle will have his full squad of 24 players, including the anticipated arrival of Okoye.
