Super Eagles boycott training over unpaid allowances
The Super Eagles have triggered a significant storm of controversy in their camp ahead of the pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup Playoffs semi-final against Gabon national football team, by boycotting their scheduled training session in Rabat, Morocco. The players and officials say the action was taken in protest over unpaid bonuses and allowances stretching back several years.
According to multiple media reports, the entire squad, along with technical staff, refused to report for the Tuesday training session at the team’s base hotel in Rabat because of outstanding payments that cover participation in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and qualifying rounds for the 2026 World Cup, with some payments said to date as far back as 2019. The joint statement issued by players and officials read: “The full squad including officials withheld from training today in Morocco because of unresolved issues with outstanding payments. The Super Eagles are awaiting a quick resolution to continue preparations for Thursday’s game with Gabon.”
The timing of the protest just two days before a crucial playoff fixture that could determine Nigeria’s route into the World Cup has raised serious concern among supporters, analysts and stakeholders. Many are worried that the disruption could have a negative impact on the team’s readiness and performance. The boycotting of training underlines deeper issues of administration, accountability and trust between the players and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
While the NFF has reportedly cleared some previous outstanding payments, the core of the dispute centres on new special bonuses for the playoff games, which the players say were either insufficient or not paid at all. At the moment, the federation has not issued a full formal response that addresses all aspects of the complaint publicly, though discussions are said to be ongoing in camp late Tuesday.
The situation poses several risks. For the Super Eagles, the instability and lack of preparation time could hamper tactical cohesion, mental focus and physical readiness. For the NFF and Nigeria’s football authorities, the protest reignites recurring concerns about delayed payments, weak governance and erosion of player trust. The timing could also influence public perception of Nigeria’s wider football administration ahead of what many regard as one of the most important fixtures in recent years.
