Super Eagles Boycott Training Over Allowances
By Wolimoh Abdulmateen
Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, have boycotted training just 48 hours before their critical 2026 World Cup playoff against Gabon. The squad, including players and officials, took this step in response to unresolved issues with unpaid allowances and bonuses.
The standoff occurred on Tuesday in Rabat, Morocco, and has put the team’s preparations in jeopardy ahead of Thursday’s match. The players and coaching staff have expressed frustration over long-standing financial disputes with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), which have yet to be addressed.
A joint statement from the team confirmed the boycott, stating they will not resume training until the payment issues are resolved. “We are waiting for a quick resolution so we can focus on our preparations for the game,” the statement read.
This disruption comes at a crucial time for Nigeria, as the World Cup qualifying match against Gabon is set to take place in just two days. The outcome of this fixture could determine Nigeria’s path to the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Prior to the boycott, there were signs of optimism within the squad. The arrival of 2023 African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen in Rabat on Tuesday boosted morale. Osimhen joined the rest of the squad, which includes key players like Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Samuel Chukwueze. Training sessions had been progressing well, with a focus on tactical preparations, pressing, and set-piece drills.
However, the financial dispute has overshadowed the team’s momentum. Reports suggest that players are frustrated over delayed bonuses and appearance fees from previous international matches, which have yet to be paid. The NFF has not yet issued an official statement, but discussions are reportedly ongoing to resolve the matter swiftly.
As the situation remains unresolved, the Super Eagles’ camp faces growing uncertainty. The team currently has 23 players in camp, with goalkeeper Maduka Okoye expected to arrive soon. If the dispute is settled, coach Eric Chelle will have his full squad ready for Thursday’s high-stakes match.
In addition to the financial issues, the NFF has also raised concerns with FIFA over the appointment of South African and Beninese referees for the match, citing potential bias due to previous encounters between Nigeria and these countries during qualifying rounds. Despite these challenges, the team remains focused on securing a win against Gabon.
The Super Eagles are hoping to resume training on Wednesday, depending on how quickly the financial dispute is addressed, in preparation for what is arguably one of the most important matches in Nigeria’s recent football history.