Nigeria’s Super Eagles and their technical crew boycotted Tuesday’s training session in Rabat, Morocco, in protest over unpaid bonuses and allowances, just two days before their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa play-off semi-final against Gabon.
According to BBC Sport journalist Oluwashina Okeleji, the players and officials jointly refused to train, citing outstanding payments dating back to 2019. These include bonuses for qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and reaching the current stage of the World Cup play-offs.
Okeleji, in a post on X, revealed that the team was “awaiting a quick resolution to continue preparation for Thursday’s game,” adding that the Super Eagles were “tired of empty promises” after years of unfulfilled commitments.
A statement reportedly signed by the entire squad and technical staff 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 their preparations for Thursday’s game against Gabon. Thank you. From the players.”
The development was also confirmed by sports photojournalist Sulaimon Adebayo, who is covering the team’s camp in Rabat.
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Communications Director Ademola Olajire and Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe were yet to provide an official response, although Efoghe acknowledged receipt of inquiries.
The Nigerian squad currently in camp comprises 23 players, including captain William Troost-Ekong; forwards Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, and Akor Adams; defenders Calvin Bassey, Chidozie Awaziem, Benjamin Frederick, Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, Amas Obasogie, and Stanley Nwabali; and midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, and Bright Osayi-Samuel.
Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was the last player yet to arrive in camp this evening.
The Super Eagles had held their first full training session on Monday with 14 players, as head coach Eric Chelle ramped up tactical preparations for the decisive encounter. Sevilla duo Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke missed that session, while African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman joined later in the day to boost the team’s attack.
The camp officially opened on Sunday at the Rive Hotel in Rabat, with the coaching staff on ground to receive early arrivals.
Nigeria will take on Gabon at the 22,000-capacity Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat on Thursday. In the other semi-final, Cameroon will face the Democratic Republic of Congo at El-Barid Stadium, with both winners advancing to the final on November 16. The eventual victor will earn a place in the inter-confederation play-offs for a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
