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Crisis in Eagles’ Camp: Players Boycott Training Over Unpaid Allowances 48 Hours to Gabon Clash

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12 months ago

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Super Eagles players

Crisis in Eagles’ Camp: Players Boycott Training Over Unpaid Allowances 48 Hours to Gabon Clash

  • World Cup hopes hang in the balance as NFF struggles to resolve standoff in Rabat

Nigeria’s bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was thrown into turmoil on Tuesday after Super Eagles players and officials boycotted training in Rabat, Morocco, over unpaid allowances and bonuses — just two days before their crucial playoff tie against Gabon.

The entire squad, including the coaching crew and backroom staff, reportedly refused to train in protest against the Nigeria Football Federation’s failure to settle long-outstanding financial entitlements from previous international engagements.

In a joint statement credited to players and team officials, the group confirmed the boycott, 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 at a critical moment, as Nigeria face Gabon in the semi-final of the World Cup Africa Playoff Tournament at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat — a result that could determine the country’s route to the expanded 2026 tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

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Until Tuesday’s disruption, the camp had been upbeat following the arrival of African Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen, who joined 22 other players in Rabat, adding momentum to preparations. Training sessions had focused on tactical transitions, defensive shape, and set-piece routines under head coach Eric Chelle.

However, the payment dispute has now cast a cloud over the squad’s morale. Players are said to be particularly aggrieved by the non-payment of appearance fees and match bonuses dating back several months.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has not issued an official statement, but sources close to the team suggest that urgent talks are ongoing to resolve the impasse before Wednesday’s training session.

Meanwhile, the NFF is also battling another controversy after reportedly filing a protest with FIFA over the appointment of match officials from South Africa and Benin Republic — countries that were in Nigeria’s qualifying group — citing concerns about neutrality.

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, with goalkeeper Maduka Okoye still expected to arrive.

If the financial dispute is resolved in time, the full squad of 24 players is expected to resume training on Wednesday ahead of what many consider one of Nigeria’s most decisive games in recent years.

 

Crisis in Eagles’ Camp: Players Boycott Training Over Unpaid Allowances 48 Hours to Gabon Clash

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Tinubu Rewards Flamingos With ₦100m Each After Historic World Cup Triumph

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6 hours ago

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November 11, 2026

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Tinubu Rewards Flamingos With ₦100m Each After Historic World Cup Triumph
Tinubu Rewards Flamingos With ₦100m Each After Historic World Cup Triumph

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has rewarded members of Nigeria’s Under-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, with ₦100 million each following their historic victory at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The reward was announced on Wednesday, November 11, by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, who received the victorious players and their officials at a special reception held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on behalf of the President.

Under the reward package, each player will receive a ₦100 million Federal Government Savings Bond, while the team’s head coach, Hakeem Busari, will receive ₦100 million in cash. Each member of the technical crew will also receive ₦50 million in cash.

The decision to give the players savings bonds rather than immediate cash payments was explained by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, who said the arrangement was designed to protect the financial future of the young footballers, most of whom are teenagers.

Dikko explained that the five-year investment would allow the players to earn interest while concentrating on their education and football careers.

According to him, the arrangement would prevent the young athletes from being overwhelmed by large sums of money at an early stage of their lives while ensuring that they have access to substantial financial resources when they become adults.

He said the investment would also provide regular financial returns to support their educational and training needs during the period.

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The First Lady congratulated the players for bringing honour to Nigeria and making history as the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

She praised their determination, discipline, teamwork and resilience, noting that their achievement had demonstrated the ability of Nigerian girls to compete and succeed at the highest level of international football.

Oluremi Tinubu also urged the players not to allow their new status as world champions and the financial rewards to distract them from their education, personal development and future ambitions.

She commended the coaching staff, medical personnel, football administrators, parents and supporters whose contributions helped the team achieve the historic feat.

The Flamingos secured their maiden world title on Saturday, November 7, after defeating Japan 2-1 in the final played in Rabat, Morocco.

Nigeria took the lead through Awawu Bashiru, who found the net in the 39th minute, before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled the advantage shortly after the restart.

Japan reduced the deficit through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute, but the Nigerian girls held on to secure victory and become the first African nation to lift the trophy.

The triumph was particularly remarkable because Nigeria began the competition with a 2-1 defeat to Poland in the group stage.

However, the team recovered impressively, recording six consecutive victories against Puerto Rico, North Korea, Mexico, Venezuela, Brazil and Japan to claim the championship.

Their victory over Brazil in the semi-final secured Nigeria’s first-ever appearance in the final of the competition before they completed their historic campaign against Japan.

The achievement also made the Flamingos the first African women’s national team to win a FIFA World Cup title at any level.

President Tinubu had earlier congratulated the players, describing their victory as a landmark achievement for Nigerian sports and a source of pride for the country and the African continent.

The Nigerian Senate had also pledged ₦100 million in recognition of the team’s achievement, while private individuals and sports stakeholders announced additional rewards.

The latest presidential gesture is expected to provide financial support for the young champions as they continue their education and football development.

The victory has renewed calls for sustained investment in women’s football, grassroots sports development and youth talent discovery in Nigeria to ensure that the country’s latest achievement translates into long-term success.

Tinubu Rewards Flamingos With ₦100m Each After Historic World Cup Triumph

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Lookman’s Atletico Future Under Question After Simeone Leaves Him Out Against Barcelona

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17 hours ago

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November 11, 2026

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Lookman’s Atletico Future Under Question After Simeone Leaves Him Out Against Barcelona
Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman

Lookman’s Atletico Future Under Question After Simeone Leaves Him Out Against Barcelona

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has suffered a fresh setback at Atletico Madrid after head coach Diego Simeone left him on the bench throughout the club’s 2-1 defeat to Barcelona, raising questions about his position in the Argentine manager’s plans.

The Nigerian international was an unused substitute in Sunday’s La Liga encounter at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, despite Atletico trailing and needing attacking inspiration to rescue the match.

The decision attracted attention because Simeone had another substitution available but opted against introducing Lookman, who had featured in every competitive match played by Atletico before the Barcelona encounter this season.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Simeone made only four substitutions during the match, leaving the Nigerian forward among the unused players even as his team searched for an equaliser.

Atletico had taken an early lead through Giuliano Simeone in the 10th minute, but Barcelona responded with goals from Fermín López shortly before half-time and again in the 66th minute to secure a 2-1 victory.

Simeone introduced Alexander Sørloth, David Hancko, Johnny Cardoso and Jonathan David at different stages of the encounter but did not turn to Lookman.

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The omission was particularly striking given the Nigerian’s ability to create chances through his pace, dribbling and attacking runs, qualities Atletico needed while chasing the game.

It also came barely a week after Simeone publicly defended the 28-year-old amid concerns over his declining form.

The Atletico manager had urged Lookman not to become frustrated by his difficult spell, insisting that hard work and belief would help him rediscover his best performance.

“I don’t want him to get frustrated because he’s not going through his best moment. This is work, this is believing in what you do,” Simeone said.

The Argentine also emphasised that the coaching staff recognised Lookman’s importance to the team and remained confident in his ability.

“We believe, as we see him in training, in the importance he has for us. He’s one of the players who has the most one-on-one duels in the final third. I have a lot of confidence in him,” he added.

However, leaving the forward unused against Barcelona has raised questions about whether the coach’s public backing is translating into opportunities on the pitch.

Lookman’s current statistics also underline the challenges he has faced since the beginning of the campaign.

According to reports from Spain, he has accumulated 737 minutes across La Liga and the UEFA Champions League this season, scoring twice and providing one assist.

His present return contrasts with the impact he made after arriving from Atalanta during the January transfer window last season, when he scored 10 goals in his first months at the Spanish club.

Spanish football publication Mundo Deportivo also reported that fellow attacker Álex Baena has moved ahead of Lookman in Simeone’s preferences for the left-sided attacking position.

Despite the concerns, reports from Spain indicate that Atletico Madrid have not abandoned their confidence in the Nigerian.

Marca reported that the coaching staff and players remain united in their determination to help Lookman rediscover his best form, regain his confidence and improve his morale.

The development suggests that his omission against Barcelona may reflect his current form and tactical considerations rather than a complete breakdown in his relationship with the manager.

Lookman has now returned to Nigeria for international duty, where he is expected to join the Super Eagles for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania.

The first leg is scheduled for November 13 in Uyo, while the return fixture will take place on November 17.

The international assignment offers the Nigerian forward an opportunity to regain his confidence and playing rhythm before returning to Atletico Madrid for the remainder of the season.

Lookman’s Atletico Future Under Question After Simeone Leaves Him Out Against Barcelona

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U-17 WWC: Umejiaku Wins Golden Ball As FIFA Announces Full List Of Award Winners

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4 days ago

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November 8, 2026

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U-17 WWC: Umejiaku Wins Golden Ball As FIFA Announces Full List Of Award Winners
Oluebube Umejiaku
U-17 WWC: Umejiaku Wins Golden Ball As FIFA Announces Full List Of Award Winners

Nigeria’s Oluebube Umejiaku has been named the best player of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after helping the Flamingos win their maiden title in Morocco.

Umejiaku received the prestigious adidas Golden Ball award following her outstanding performances throughout the competition, which ended on Saturday, November 7, with Nigeria defeating Japan 2-1 in the final in Rabat.

The Nigerian forward scored the decisive second goal in the final, taking her tournament tally to four goals and capping an impressive campaign with the individual honour.

She also played a crucial role in Nigeria’s historic run, contributing to goals in all seven of the team’s matches.

U-17 WWC: Umejiaku Wins Golden Ball As FIFA Announces Full List Of Award Winners

U-17 WWC: Umejiaku Wins Golden Ball As FIFA Announces Full List Of Award Winners

DPR Korea’s Yu Jong-hyang won the Silver Ball, while Japan’s Fuki Ito received the Bronze Ball.

Despite the United States’ quarter-final elimination, forward Maddie DiMaria emerged as the tournament’s highest goalscorer, claiming the adidas Golden Boot with an impressive 12 goals.

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DiMaria scored six goals against Samoa, four against Kenya and one each against China PR and Spain.

Yu Jong-hyang received the Silver Boot, while her DPR Korea teammate Ri Ui-gyong claimed the Bronze Boot.

DPR Korea goalkeeper Kim Son-gyong was named winner of the adidas Golden Glove after helping her country secure third place in the tournament.

Japan, despite losing the final to Nigeria, received the FIFA Fair Play Trophy.

The full list of award winners is as follows:

  • Golden Ball: Oluebube Umejiaku (Nigeria)
  • Silver Ball: Yu Jong-hyang (DPR Korea)
  • Bronze Ball: Fuki Ito (Japan)
  • Golden Boot: Maddie DiMaria (United States) – 12 goals
  • Silver Boot: Yu Jong-hyang (DPR Korea)
  • Bronze Boot: Ri Ui-gyong (DPR Korea)
  • Golden Glove: Kim Son-gyong (DPR Korea)
  • FIFA Fair Play Trophy: Japan

Nigeria’s triumph marked a historic milestone as the Flamingos became the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The team also became the first African women’s side to win a FIFA World Cup title at any level, following their remarkable 2-1 victory over Japan.

Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 39th minute before Umejiaku doubled the advantage two minutes into the second half. Fuki Ito pulled one back for Japan in the 80th minute, but Nigeria held on to secure the historic victory.

 

U-17 WWC: Umejiaku Wins Golden Ball As FIFA Announces Full List Of Award Winners

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