Arjun Menon
Super Eagles protest unpaid bonuses ahead of Gabon clash
Nigeria players and staff skipped training Tuesday, just two days before their 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off against Gabon in Morocco.
The protest centers on unpaid allowances and match bonuses, with reports suggesting the squad seeks a special bonus for this month’s African play-offs.
Stars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are demanding resolution with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The boycott overshadows preparations for Thursday’s semi-final at Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat (16:00 GMT).
“Once resolution is found we will be the first to confirm,” Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong posted on X. “All we want and continue to do is focus on the big games ahead.”
The NFF declined BBC Sport Africa’s request for comment, though sources indicate urgent talks are underway.
The team may resume training Wednesday, pending resolution of financial disputes involving allowances for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and current World Cup campaign.
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The NFF’s history of delayed payments has sparked public outcry, with Nigerians urging swift resolution.
Nigeria must defeat Gabon to advance to next year’s World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The winners will face either Cameroon or DR Congo in Sunday’s African play-off final, determining which nation advances to March’s intercontinental qualifier.
That six-team tournament will produce two African qualifiers for the finals.