Nigeria’s Super Eagles and their technical staff boycotted training in Rabat on Tuesday over unpaid bonuses, putting preparations for their 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa play-off semi-final against Gabon in jeopardy, PUNCH Online reports.
The players and officials protested outstanding allowances dating back to 2019, covering achievements such as qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup play-offs, according to BBC Sports journalist Oluwashina Okeleji.
Okeleji reported on X that the squad was “awaiting a quick resolution to continue preparation for Thursday’s game,” adding that the team is frustrated with “empty promises” regarding their bonuses.
A statement reportedly signed by the players and technical crew read:
“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 preparation for Thursday’s game with Gabon. Thank you. From the players.”
Sports photojournalist Sulaimon Adebayo, who is covering the team’s camp in Morocco, also confirmed the boycott.
PUNCH Online reached out to Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Communications Director Ademola Olajire and Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe. Efoghe acknowledged receipt of the message but had not responded by the time of reporting.
The squad in Morocco includes 23 players: captain William Troost-Ekong; forwards Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, and Akor Adams; defenders Calvin Bassey, Chidozie Awaziem, Benjamin Frederick, Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, Amas Obasogie, and Stanley Nwabali; and midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, and Bright Osayi-Samuel. Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, recently back in form with Udinese, is yet to join the camp.
The team had conducted its first full training session on Monday with 14 players, as head coach Eric Chelle worked to prepare the squad. Sevilla duo Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke were absent, while African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman arrived later in the day.
Nigeria faces Gabon on Thursday at the 22,000-capacity Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat. Meanwhile, Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo will contest the other semi-final at El-Barid Stadium, with the winners meeting in the final on November 16 to decide who advances to the inter-confederation play-offs for a spot at the 2026 World Cup in North America.