Nigeria-Gabon Clash in Jeopardy as Super Eagles Boycott Training Over Unpaid Bonuses

Nigeria-Gabon Clash in Jeopardy as Super Eagles Boycott Training Over Unpaid Bonuses

Nigeria’s crucial World Cup qualifying campaign has been thrown into turmoil just two days before a must-win playoff against Gabon, as the entire Super Eagles squad and officials boycotted a training session in Rabat over unpaid allowances and bonuses.

The team’s preparations in Morocco came to a halt on Tuesday when players and backroom staff collectively refused to train, citing long-standing financial grievances with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). In a jointly issued statement, the squad confirmed the action: “The full squad including officials withheld from training today in Morocco because of the unresolved issues with outstanding payments. The Super Eagles are awaiting a quick resolution to continue preparations for Thursday’s game with Gabon.”

This labor dispute casts a dark shadow over what had been an otherwise optimistic camp. The recent arrival of African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen had boosted morale, and training sessions under coach Eric Chelle had been focused and productive. However, the unresolved issue of delayed bonuses from previous matches has now taken center stage, threatening to derail Nigeria’s focus for one of its most critical fixtures in years.

The NFF has yet to issue an official public statement, though sources indicate that urgent negotiations are underway to resolve the impasse. The timing is critical, with the semi-final of the World Cup Africa Playoff Tournament set for Thursday at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat. A victory is essential for Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup.

This financial standoff is the second major distraction for the team this week, following an official NFF protest to FIFA over the neutrality of the appointed match officials. The Super Eagles are expected to return to training on Wednesday only if a resolution is reached, as the team and the nation await a swift end to the disruptive pay dispute.