Nigeria’s Super Eagles sent shockwaves through the football world on Tuesday when they boycotted training in Rabat, Morocco, over unpaid bonuses and allowances.
The action, which came just two days before their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa play-off semi-final against Gabon, underscored growing tensions within the national team. According to multiple reports, the players and technical staff unanimously agreed to suspend training activities until the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) resolves long-standing payment issues dating back to 2019.
The protest, first reported by BBC Sports journalist Oluwashina Okeleji, revealed that the squad and officials were frustrated by years of “empty promises” from football authorities. Okeleji explained that the allowances in question were tied to milestones such as qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the ongoing World Cup play-off campaign. In a collective statement reportedly signed by both players and coaches, the Super Eagles declared that they would not train until the matter was resolved.
“The full squad, including officials, withheld from training today in Morocco because of unresolved issues with outstanding payments,” the statement read. “The Super Eagles are awaiting a quick resolution to continue preparation for Thursday’s game with Gabon.”
The players’ decision immediately raised concerns among fans and stakeholders, given the importance of Thursday’s fixture. Nigeria’s match against Gabon will determine whether they advance to the inter-confederation play-offs for a spot at the 2026 World Cup in North America.
The timing of the boycott, so close to such a vital encounter, has thrown their preparation plans into disarray and cast doubts on the team’s morale. Many observers fear the issue could affect performance on the pitch, especially with only two days left to finalize tactics and fitness drills.
Sports photojournalist Sulaimon Adebayo, who is currently covering the team’s camp in Rabat, confirmed the boycott, adding that players and officials appeared visibly upset. Despite repeated attempts, the team’s media officer, Promise Efoghe, did not immediately respond to inquiries.
Sources within the camp described an atmosphere of frustration but also unity, as both players and technical staff insisted that the protest was not about rebellion but about fairness and respect for their labor.
The Super Eagles’ camp in Morocco currently houses 23 players, including captain William Troost-Ekong, prolific striker Victor Osimhen, and African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman. Others in the squad are Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi, and Calvin Bassey all of whom have been key figures in Nigeria’s recent campaigns.
Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, who recently regained form with Serie A club Udinese, is the only player yet to arrive at the camp. These are seasoned professionals accustomed to playing at the highest levels, yet the standoff has left them questioning how such administrative lapses continue to plague the national setup.
The Super Eagles began their camp on Sunday at the Rive Hotel in Rabat, with technical staff arriving early to receive players flying in from various European clubs. Monday’s first full training session saw only 14 players in attendance as head coach Eric Chelle began shaping the team’s tactical framework.
However, hopes of an intensive build-up were dashed on Tuesday when the entire squad decided to down tools in protest. Reports from the camp suggest that the decision was unanimous and communicated formally to the Nigeria Football Federation through the team liaison officer.
The issue of unpaid bonuses has long been a recurring theme in Nigerian football, often reappearing before major tournaments. Players have complained in the past about delayed payments, lack of transparency, and inadequate communication from the authorities. For many in the squad, this latest development felt like a breaking point.
“We are tired of empty promises,” one player was quoted as saying. “It’s not about the money alone – it’s about respect and keeping to agreements.” Such sentiments highlight the growing disconnect between players who give their all on the field and administrators struggling to maintain credibility.
Meanwhile, observers have pointed out that the situation could have broader implications for Nigeria’s football reputation. A team refusing to train ahead of a World Cup qualifier sends a worrying message to fans, sponsors, and the international community.
Critics argue that the NFF must act swiftly to restore confidence and ensure that financial disputes do not overshadow sporting achievements. As one analyst noted, “This is not just about bonuses — it’s about leadership and accountability at the very top.”
Despite the tension, the players remain hopeful that a resolution will be reached soon. Sources close to the team suggest that informal talks were already underway late Tuesday night, with assurances that funds would be released before the match.
However, as of the time of reporting, no official statement had been issued by the NFF. The clock continues to tick toward Thursday’s match, and every hour without training represents a missed opportunity to fine-tune the squad’s strategy against a well-prepared Gabonese side.