Super Eagles training boycott confirmed by Ekong
Team captain William Troost-Ekong has confirmed that the Super Eagles of Nigeria boycotted a scheduled training session in protest against unpaid allowances and bonuses ahead of their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-off semi-final.
The players reportedly skipped Tuesday evening’s training in Rabat, Morocco, citing outstanding payments owed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). The disputed funds include bonuses tied to previous competitions and qualifying matches, some of which the team claims date back to 2019.
In a statement posted on social media, Ekong clarified that the team’s action was focused strictly on entitlement payments and not any additional demands. He wrote: “Once resolution is found, we will be the first to confirm. Any other statement/claim or especially demands other than the rightful request written about below is FALSE. All we want and continue to do is focus on the big games ahead.”
Further reports indicate that mediation between the NFF, the players and the national sports commission led to a breakthrough, with the team set to resume training following the dispute.
This development comes at a crucial time, as Nigeria prepare to face Gabon national football team in the semi-final of the African play-offs, which determine qualification for the intercontinental play-offs toward the 2026 World Cup. The boycott threatened to disrupt preparations for the high stakes match.
