The build-up to Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa play-off against Gabon took a dramatic turn on Tuesday, as the Super Eagles boycotted their training session in Rabat, Morocco, in protest over unpaid bonuses and allowances.
A top team official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the development to Channels Television, revealing that both players and some members of the technical crew refused to take part in the scheduled session over the issue of outstanding payments.
“Yes, the players have decided not to train today due to unpaid bonuses. Discussions are ongoing to resolve the matter,” the source said.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had yet to release an official statement addressing the situation.
The team’s training camp officially opened in Rabat on Monday, ahead of Thursday’s decisive CAF World Cup qualifying clash with Gabon. According to updates posted on the official Super Eagles X (formerly Twitter) handle, 23 players had arrived camp by Tuesday afternoon, with only goalkeeper Maduka Okoye still expected.
Those already in camp include Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, William Troost-Ekong, Benjamin Fredericks, and Chidozie Awaziem.
Others are Amas Obasogie, Stanley Nwabali, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Raphael Onyedika, Zaidu Sanusi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Victor Osimhen.
The protest comes just days before the Super Eagles’ vital fixture, heightening pressure on the NFF to address the players’ grievances swiftly and ensure the team’s focus returns to securing a positive result in their World Cup qualification campaign.
