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.

READ ALSO:

• Judy Austin warns young women against rushing into marriage over pregnancy
• ‘Trump can’t be trusted’: Fani-Kayode cautions FG against talks with US president
• Those who sabotaged Buhari’s reforms still in power — Amaechi

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