Super Eagles Boycott Training Ahead of Crucial World Cup Play-Off Over Unpaid Allowances
Just two days before their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off against Gabon, the Super Eagles of Nigeria have boycotted training in protest over unpaid allowances and match bonuses, throwing their preparations into disarray.
Reports reveal that the players and technical crew are demanding the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to clear all outstanding payments, including bonuses from previous matches and allowances related to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and the ongoing World Cup qualifying campaign.
The team, featuring star players like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and captain William Troost-Ekong, reportedly refused to train on Tuesday, insisting that the federation must meet their financial demands before Thursday’s semi-final against Gabon at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
Troost-Ekong took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a brief message, saying:
“Once a resolution is found, we will be the first to confirm. All we want and continue to do is focus on the big games ahead.”
The statement, though diplomatic, reflects growing frustration within the squad as the standoff threatens to derail Nigeria’s hopes of advancing to the next stage of the qualifiers.
The NFF has yet to officially respond to the situation, but sources indicate that urgent talks are being held to resolve the crisis before the team’s next training session scheduled for Wednesday.
This is not the first time the federation has faced such disputes. The NFF has a long history of delayed payments and bonus controversies, often resurfacing during major tournaments.
Many Nigerians have expressed anger and disappointment online, urging the football body to settle the issue quickly to avoid another national embarrassment.
“How can players give their all when they’re constantly owed?” one fan wrote.
“We can’t afford another World Cup miss because of poor administration,” another commented.
The Super Eagles must defeat Gabon to keep their World Cup dream alive. A win would see them advance to face either Cameroon or DR Congo in the African play-off final on Sunday — the last step before reaching the intercontinental qualifier in March 2026.
That six-team playoff will determine the two final African spots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
For now, however, Nigeria’s preparation hangs in the balance and unless the dispute is resolved swiftly, their road to the World Cup could be jeopardized before it even begins.