Sports

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

Published

3 months ago

November 12, 2025

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

CAF Confirms 2027 AFCON Dates, Reveals Host Cities, Stadiums Across East Africa

Published

22 hours ago

February 15, 2026

Trends Admin

CAF Confirms 2027 AFCON Dates, Reveals Host Cities, Stadiums Across East Africa

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially confirmed that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will take place from 19 June to 18 July 2027, reaffirming plans for the tournament to be hosted in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda — a historic first for three nations to co‑organise Africa’s premier international football competition. The competition will feature 24 teams, with automatic qualification for the host nations and qualifiers beginning in March 2026. (Wikipedia)

CAF President Patrice Motsepe stressed confidence in the readiness of the three host countries to deliver a high‑quality event, dismissing earlier doubts over infrastructure and logistical challenges. (kenyanews.go.ke)

Planned Host Cities and Stadiums

The tournament will be played across 10 cities and up to 12 stadiums spread among the three hosts, combining existing venues with newly built or upgraded facilities to meet CAF specifications. (Wikipedia)

Kenya

Talanta Sports Stadium — Nairobi: A new 60,000‑seat stadium expected to host the opening ceremony and several high‑profile matches, including potentially the tournament final. (kenyanews.go.ke)
Moi International Sports Centre — Kasarani, Nairobi: Existing large venue (approx. 55,000 capacity) undergoing final upgrades ahead of AFCON. (kenyanews.go.ke)
Nyayo National Stadium — Nairobi: 30,000 seats, set to host group matches and key fixtures. (kenyanews.go.ke)
Bukhungu Stadium — Kakamega and Kipchoge Keino Stadium — Eldoret: Additional venues set to host group games, expanding Kenya’s footprint in the tournament. (kenyanews.go.ke)

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Tanzania

Benjamin Mkapa Stadium — Dar es Salaam: A 60,000‑seat national stadium likely to host major matches. (Daily News)
Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium — Arusha: A new 30,000‑seat facility under construction. (Wikipedia)
Dodoma Stadium — Dodoma: Another new stadium planned to host AFCON fixtures. (Daily News)
Amaan Stadium — Zanzibar: A revitalised 15,000‑seat venue that will feature fixtures and fan experiences. (Daily News)

Uganda

Mandela National Stadium — Kampala: A major multi‑purpose venue with a capacity of over 45,000 expected to host key games. (Daily News)
Hoima City Stadium — Hoima: Newly completed 20,000‑seat stadium ready for AFCON matches. (Wikipedia)
Akii Bua Stadium — Lira: Another new 20,000‑seat venue helping spread the tournament across regions. (Wikipedia)

These venues reflect a significant investment in football infrastructure across East Africa and support CAF’s aspiration to deliver a memorable continental showcase. (kenyanews.go.ke)

Preparations are being coordinated closely between CAF and the hosts, with infrastructure upgrades, access roads, security systems, accommodation and transport logistics high on the agenda as the region gears up for its biggest sporting event in decades. (kenyanews.go.ke)

The 2027 AFCON promises not just a festival of African football but also a legacy of improved stadiums and facilities, with East Africa firmly on the continental sporting map. (kenyanews.go.ke)

CAF Confirms 2027 AFCON Dates, Reveals Host Cities, Stadiums Across East Africa

Sports

Ronaldo Returns From Absence to Score in Al‑Nassr’s 2‑0 Win Over Al‑Fateh

Published

22 hours ago

February 15, 2026

Trends Admin

Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo Returns From Absence to Score in Al‑Nassr’s 2‑0 Win Over Al‑Fateh

Cristiano Ronaldo marked a dramatic comeback for Al‑Nassr on Saturday, scoring early to help his side secure a 2‑0 win over Al‑Fateh in the Saudi Pro League — his first start since returning from a high‑profile absence. (Soccer News)

Ronaldo, 41, had been absent for three league matches amid reported disagreements with the club and dissatisfaction over how it was being run under the Public Investment Fund, which also owns other Saudi clubs. Media reports said the star was unhappy that rivals backed by the fund, particularly Al‑Hilal, were able to strengthen their squads — including signing Karim Benzema — while Al‑Nassr’s activity in the January transfer window was more limited. (Sky Sports)

On Saturday at the Prince Abdullah Bin Jalawi Stadium, Ronaldo wasted no time making an impact. In the 18th minute, he met a sharp cross and finished coolly to open the scoring — his 962nd career goal, edging him closer to the historic 1,000‑goal mark. (beIN SPORTS)

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Al‑Nassr controlled the match from there, and Ayman Yahya doubled the lead in the 78th minute to secure all three points and maintain pressure at the top of the league standings. With the win, Al‑Nassr strengthened their bid for the title, sitting one point behind Al‑Hilal. (Gulf News)

The goal was a timely reminder of Ronaldo’s enduring class, extending his remarkable scoring streak across 24 consecutive calendar years and underscoring his value even at an advanced age for an elite forward. (Gulf News)

Ronaldo’s absence in the past weeks sparked speculation about his future at Al‑Nassr, with some reports suggesting that unresolved issues over transfers and squad resources may have prompted his protest. The Saudi Pro League responded at the time by emphasising that “no individual, however significant, determines decisions beyond their own club,” amid discussion about the star’s dissatisfaction. (Reddit)

His return and goal, however, have eased tensions for now, with fans celebrating his leadership and contribution as Al‑Nassr chase silverware and league success. (The National)

Ronaldo Returns From Absence to Score in Al‑Nassr’s 2‑0 Win Over Al‑Fateh

Sports

Salah Shines as Liverpool Beat Brighton 3-0

Published

22 hours ago

February 15, 2026

Trends Admin

Mohamed Salah

Salah Shines as Liverpool Beat Brighton 3-0

Liverpool booked their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield, as Mohamed Salah marked his return to form with a goal and an assist.

Liverpool took the lead late in the first half through Curtis Jones, before Salah set up Dominik Szoboszlai for a superb second goal shortly after the restart. The Egyptian winger then capped his performance by converting a penalty to seal a comprehensive win.

The hosts gradually grew into the contest after Brighton started brightly, with Jones—deployed at right-back and making his first start since January 17—opening the scoring in the 42nd minute. He met Milos Kerkez’s cross and calmly guided the ball beyond Jason Steele.

Brighton threatened an equaliser before half-time, but Alisson Becker produced crucial saves to deny Diego Gomez and Lewis Dunk.

Liverpool doubled their advantage in the 56th minute with a flowing team move. Virgil van Dijk found Cody Gakpo, whose cross-field pass was expertly controlled by Salah before he teed up Szoboszlai to rifle home his 10th goal of the season.

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Despite a triple substitution from Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler, the visitors struggled to shift the momentum. Ten minutes later, Salah was brought down in the area by Pascal Gross, and the 33-year-old confidently dispatched the resulting penalty into the top corner for his seventh goal of the campaign.

Brighton’s night summed up a difficult run of form, with the Seagulls having won just two of their last 15 matches, and their inability to convert chances again proving costly.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot praised Salah’s all-round display after the game.

“It’s great to see him back on the scoresheet,” Slot said. “You almost expect his goals, but what I really appreciate is how much he contributes defensively as well. That’s extremely valuable for the team.”

Teenage substitute Rio Ngumoha thought he had added a fourth with a curling effort late on, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside—a decision that appeared harsh, especially with VAR not in use at this stage of the competition.

The victory followed Liverpool’s midweek confidence boost after bouncing back from defeat to Manchester City, and it underlined Slot’s intent to take the FA Cup seriously this season—having exited the competition early last year with a rotated side.

With a second consecutive clean sheet, improved attacking fluency, and Salah regaining rhythm after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, Liverpool showed encouraging signs as they continue their pursuit of silverware.