Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon have hit turbulence after players and officials of the Super Eagles boycotted training on Tuesday in Rabat.
The decision came amid long-standing frustrations over unpaid allowances and bonuses, casting a shadow over the team’s buildup to Thursday’s semi-final clash.
Reports confirmed that the entire squad—including the coaching and backroom staff—refused to take part in training, demanding that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) settle all outstanding payments. In a brief joint statement, the players and officials expressed their stance, saying:
“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.”
Confidence in camp had soared following the arrival of Victor Osimhen, the 2023 African Player of the Year, who joined 22 other players in Rabat earlier on Tuesday. Before the dispute, training sessions had focused on tactical coordination, pressing patterns, and set-piece execution—key elements for the must-win encounter.
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Financial dispute clouds Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions
However, the payment impasse has now created an air of uncertainty within the camp. Players are reportedly frustrated about delayed appearance fees and bonuses from previous matches, with many insisting that unresolved financial matters have become a recurring issue.
Although the NFF has yet to release an official statement, sources suggest that talks are ongoing to resolve the situation before Wednesday.
The federation faces mounting pressure to act swiftly to restore morale and ensure full focus ahead of one of Nigeria’s most significant fixtures in recent years.
Adding to the tension, the NFF recently filed a protest with FIFA over the appointment of South African and Beninese match officials, citing concerns about neutrality based on prior qualifying group associations.
Currently, 23 players—including Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, William Troost-Ekong, Samuel Chukwueze, and Ademola Lookman—are in camp, while goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is expected to arrive before kickoff.
If the financial dispute is resolved in time, head coach Eric Chelle will have his full 24-man squad available for Thursday’s high-stakes playoff at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat. For now, Nigeria’s path to the 2026 World Cup hangs in delicate balance—both on and off the pitch.
Tags: Super Eagles, boycott, #SoarSuperEagles, Gabon, World Cup playoffs, Eric Chelle, Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Rabat.
