Sports
Crisis in Eagles’ Camp: Players Boycott Training Over Unpaid Allowances 48 Hours to Gabon Clash
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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Sports
Ronaldo Fires Al Nassr to Crucial Win Over Al Ahli
Ronaldo Fires Al Nassr to Crucial Win Over Al Ahli
Cristiano Ronaldo once again delivered in decisive fashion as Al Nassr moved to the brink of the Saudi Pro League title with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Al Ahli on Wednesday night, strengthening their grip at the top of the table as the season enters its final stretch.
The match remained tightly contested for much of the evening, with Al Ahli putting up a disciplined defensive display that frustrated the league leaders in the first half.
However, Ronaldo broke the deadlock in the 75th minute, rising highest to meet a perfectly delivered corner from João Félix before guiding a powerful header past former Chelsea goalkeeper Édouard Mendy.
The goal, his 25th league strike of the season, once again highlighted his continued dominance in Saudi football and his ability to decide high-pressure matches.
Al Ahli’s resistance finally collapsed after sustained pressure, and Al Nassr sealed the victory deep into stoppage time when Kingsley Coman finished clinically from close range following a chaotic set-piece situation inside the box.
The result extended Al Nassr’s impressive winning streak to 20 consecutive victories across all competitions, including 16 straight wins in the league, putting them firmly in control of the title race with only a handful of matches remaining.
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Ronaldo’s latest goal also took his overall career tally to 970 goals for club and country, further cementing his status as one of football’s most prolific scorers in history.
The Portuguese captain has now scored nine goals in his last nine appearances, maintaining strong form at a crucial stage of the season while also competing for the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot.
Since joining Al Nassr, Ronaldo has remained the focal point of the team’s attacking system, providing leadership, experience, and consistent goal output in both domestic and continental competitions.
The victory has significantly boosted confidence within the squad as they edge closer to what could be a landmark league triumph, although mathematical confirmation of the title is still pending depending on results from rivals.
Supporters have praised the team’s consistency and attacking strength, with many pointing to Ronaldo’s influence as the defining factor in their title push.
With just a few games left, Al Nassr now sit in a commanding position, and their fate remains firmly in their own hands as they aim to secure the championship.
Ronaldo Fires Al Nassr to Crucial Win Over Al Ahli
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Sports
Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury Fight Deal Confirmed, Eddie Hearn Reveals
Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury Fight Deal Confirmed, Eddie Hearn Reveals
The long-awaited heavyweight showdown between British boxing stars Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury is finally moving closer to reality after promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed that a fight agreement has been reached.
Hearn revealed that the deal for the blockbuster clash has been “signed, sealed and delivered,” ending years of speculation, failed negotiations, and repeated attempts to stage one of the biggest fights in boxing history.
However, Joshua is expected to take a tune-up fight before facing Fury. The 36-year-old will return to action on July 25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he is scheduled to fight Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga.
Joshua has been away from full competition since December, when he fought Jake Paul in an exhibition-style bout. His time away from the ring was also marked by a tragic road accident in Nigeria involving his driver, which claimed the lives of two members of his entourage. Joshua has described his return as part of a rebuilding process aimed at preparing him for bigger challenges ahead.
The British-Nigerian boxer said the upcoming fights represent an important step in his comeback journey, stressing that he is focused on regaining full competitive form before stepping into a major showdown.
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The rivalry between Joshua and Fury has dominated global boxing discussions for years, with both fighters carrying British boxing on the world stage as two-time heavyweight champions. Fury, 37, recently returned to winning form against Arslanbek Makhmudov and used the opportunity to once again call out Joshua, increasing pressure for the long-awaited fight.
Reports suggest Fury’s team had already signed their portion of the agreement and were waiting for Joshua’s confirmation, which has now reportedly been completed, bringing the fight significantly closer.
Although the deal has been agreed in principle, the official date and venue for the Joshua vs Fury fight have not yet been announced. Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and the United States remain the leading options, with Riyadh currently seen as the most likely destination due to its growing role in hosting major boxing events.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has also suggested the fight could take place in late 2026 and may be broadcast globally on major streaming platforms, including Netflix, potentially making it one of the most commercially significant boxing events ever staged.
Before facing Fury, Joshua will take on unbeaten Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga, who boasts 20 knockout wins from 21 fights. While not considered a top-tier opponent, the bout is seen as a necessary warm-up to prepare Joshua for the intensity of a heavyweight super-fight.
Boxing analysts say the long-awaited clash represents a historic moment for the sport, bringing together Joshua’s explosive power and technical precision against Fury’s movement, defensive skills, and ring intelligence. Fans around the world have waited nearly a decade for the fight, widely regarded as the biggest all-British heavyweight showdown of the modern era.
Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury Fight Deal Confirmed, Eddie Hearn Reveals
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Sports
Fernández Sends Chelsea Into FA Cup Final With Win Over Leeds
Fernández Sends Chelsea Into FA Cup Final With Win Over Leeds
Chelsea F.C. booked their place in the FA Cup final after a narrow 1-0 victory over Leeds United F.C. at Wembley, with Enzo Fernández’s first-half header proving decisive in a tightly contested semi-final.
The win ensures Chelsea will face Manchester City F.C. in the final on 16 May, as they aim to end a recent run of defeats in FA Cup finals and secure a major trophy to cap their campaign.
Chelsea made a strong start despite recent off-field changes, with Calum McFarlane taking interim charge until the end of the season following Liam Rosenior’s departure after just 106 days in charge. The result marked a positive beginning to his spell as caretaker manager.
Leeds United, managed by Daniel Farke, started the brighter of the two sides and came close to an early lead. Brenden Aaronson broke through after a clever touch from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez produced a crucial save with his legs to keep the scores level.
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That miss proved costly, as Chelsea struck first in the 23rd minute. Pedro Neto delivered a precise cross into the box, where Enzo Fernández rose highest to power a header past Lucas Perri, giving Chelsea the advantage.
Chelsea grew into the game after taking the lead, with João Pedro coming close to doubling their advantage when he struck the post in the first half. Despite their dominance in spells, Leeds remained dangerous on the counterattack.
After the break, Leeds pushed harder for an equaliser and almost found it immediately when substitute Anton Stach forced a strong save from Sánchez just seconds after coming on. Moments later, Dominic Calvert-Lewin missed a golden opportunity, heading straight at the Chelsea goalkeeper from close range.
The match remained tense in the closing stages as Leeds continued to press, but Chelsea’s defence held firm to secure their place in the final.
The result ends Leeds’ hopes of reaching their first FA Cup final since 1973, when they lost to Sunderland, while Chelsea move one step closer to ending their recent struggles in the competition after losing their last three FA Cup finals.
Attention now turns to a high-profile final against Manchester City, setting up another major showdown between two of England’s strongest sides.
Fernández Sends Chelsea Into FA Cup Final With Win Over Leeds
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