Nigeria’s Super Eagles and their technical staff boycotted training in Rabat on Tuesday over unpaid bonuses, raising concerns ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa play-off semi-final against Gabon
The squad and officials withheld participation in protest, citing outstanding allowances dating back to 2019 for accomplishments including reaching the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and qualifying for the World Cup play-offs, according to BBC Sports journalist Oluwashina Okeleji.
Okeleji reported on X that the players and staff were “awaiting a quick resolution to continue preparation for Thursday’s game,” adding that none of the Super Eagles had received their allocated bonuses and were “tired of empty promises.”
A statement reportedly signed by the squad 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, covering the team’s camp in Morocco, also confirmed the boycott.
Punch Online contacted Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Communications Director Ademola Olajire and Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe for comment. Efoghe acknowledged receipt of the inquiry but had not responded at 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 Super Eagles had their first full training on Monday in Rabat with 14 players present, as head coach Eric Chelle intensified preparations. Sevilla duo Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke were absent, while African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman joined the squad later in the afternoon.
The camp officially opened on Sunday at the Rive Hotel in Rabat, with technical staff present to welcome early arrivals. Nigeria faces Gabon on Thursday at the 22,000-capacity Moulay Hassan Stadium.
In the other semi-final, Cameroon will meet the Democratic Republic of Congo at El-Barid Stadium, with the winners clashing in the final on November 16 to determine who advances to the inter-confederation play-offs for a spot at the 2026 World Cup in North America.
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