There’s growing tension in the Super Eagles camp in Rabat, Morocco, as players have reportedly boycotted training over unpaid bonuses, just days before their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff clash against Gabon.
Sources close to the team say the players refused to take part in Tuesday’s training session, demanding payment of outstanding match bonuses and allowances from previous international fixtures.
The latest development comes at a critical time, with Nigeria set to face the Panthers of Gabon on Thursday in Rabat, a must-win tie that could determine the team’s path to the next round of qualifiers.
Team officials have reportedly held a closed-door meeting with the players in an effort to calm nerves and ensure the squad resumes full training ahead of the match.
So far, 21 players are in camp, and while morale had been high earlier in the week, the issue of unpaid entitlements has cast a shadow over preparations.
Nigeria will need to overcome Gabon to reach the playoff final, where they’ll face either Cameroon or DR Congo.
The winner of that final will advance to the Intercontinental Playoff scheduled for Mexico in March 2025.
This standoff brings back memories of similar disputes that have affected Nigeria’s preparations in the past, including during qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup, which the Super Eagles missed after losing to Ghana.
As the countdown to Thursday’s showdown continues, fans are hoping the off-field issues are quickly resolved, so the Super Eagles can focus on the battle that truly matters: qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
