Nigeria’s build-up to Thursday’s pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon suffered a major setback on Tuesday as the Super Eagles players and officials staged a boycott in Rabat over unpaid allowances and bonuses.
Reports confirmed that the entire squad, including backroom staff, refused to take part in training due to lingering financial grievances with football authorities.
In a brief statement jointly issued by players and officials, the team said: “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 protest comes just two days before the first semi-final of the World Cup Africa Playoff Tournament at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Rabat. The outcome of the match could determine Nigeria’s path to the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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Prior to the disruption, there had been signs of renewed optimism in the camp following the arrival of Victor Osimhen on Tuesday. The 2023 African Player of the Year joined 22 teammates in Morocco, injecting fresh energy into head coach Eric Chelle’s squad. Training sessions had been sharp and tactical, focusing on team shape, pressing transitions, and set-piece coordination.
However, the payment dispute has now cast a shadow over the team’s build-up. Players are reportedly unhappy about delayed bonuses and appearance fees from previous international engagements.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has yet to issue a formal statement on the matter, though discussions are believed to be ongoing to resolve the impasse swiftly.
The Super Eagles currently have 23 players in camp, including Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze, and Ademola Lookman, with goalkeeper Maduka Okoye still expected to arrive. The development adds to an already tense preparation period for the team.
Earlier this week, the NFF lodged a protest with FIFA challenging the appointment of South African and Beninese match officials for the Gabon tie, citing concerns over neutrality, given both countries’ involvement in Nigeria’s previous qualifying group.
The Super Eagles are expected to resume training on Wednesday, pending a resolution of the financial standoff, as they aim to maintain focus for what is seen as one of Nigeria’s most important fixtures in recent years.
If the dispute is settled in time, head coach Eric Chelle will have his full squad of 24 players: including the anticipated arrival of Okoye available for Thursday’s must-win encounter in Rabat.
