Super Eagles Boycott Training Over Unpaid Allowances Ahead Of Gabon Clash

Nigeria’s build-up to Thursday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon suffered a major setback on Tuesday as the Super Eagles players and officials boycotted training in Rabat over unpaid allowances and bonuses.

Sources revealed that the entire team, including the coaching and backroom staff, refused to train, citing unresolved financial issues with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

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In a joint statement issued by the players and officials, the team confirmed the action, saying:

“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 World Cup Africa Playoff semi-final at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.

The outcome of the fixture could be decisive in determining Nigeria’s qualification route to the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Before the disruption, the camp had been in high spirits following the arrival of African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, who joined 22 teammates in Morocco on Tuesday.

Training sessions under head coach Eric Chelle had focused on tactical transitions and set-piece drills, with optimism building ahead of the Gabon encounter.

However, the renewed wage dispute has now cast a shadow over the team’s preparations.

Players are reportedly unhappy about long-standing unpaid match bonuses and appearance fees from previous games.

As of Tuesday night, the NFF had not released an official statement on the boycott, though sources said discussions were ongoing to resolve the impasse before Wednesday’s training session.

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, while goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is still expected to join the squad.

Adding to the tension, the NFF earlier lodged a protest with FIFA over the appointment of South African and Beninese officials for the Gabon match, citing potential conflicts of interest due to past qualifying encounters.

The team is expected to resume training on Wednesday if the payment dispute is settled in time, as they prepare for what many consider one of Nigeria’s most decisive fixtures in recent years.