By Sport Analyst
Emmanuel Afonja
Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff suffered a major blow on Tuesday after the Super Eagles boycotted training in Rabat, Morocco, just 48 hours before their crucial encounter against Gabon.
According to reports, the entire team — including players and backroom staff — refused to take part in training over unpaid allowances and bonuses owed from previous international matches.
In a joint statement reportedly issued by the squad and officials, the team confirmed their stance:
“The full squad, including officials, withheld from training today in Morocco due to 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 time, as Nigeria faces Gabon in the first semi-final of the World Cup Africa Playoff Tournament at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat. The outcome could heavily influence Nigeria’s qualification path to the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Before the standoff, the atmosphere in camp had been upbeat. The arrival of Victor Osimhen, freshly crowned 2023 African Player of the Year, had lifted team morale, joining Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze, and Ademola Lookman among the 23-man squad already in Morocco.
Head coach Eric Chelle had been conducting intensive sessions focused on tactical organization, pressing transitions, and set-piece drills. However, the payment dispute has now disrupted those preparations, with players expressing frustration over delayed bonuses and appearance fees dating back to earlier international fixtures.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has yet to release an official statement, though sources suggest urgent talks are underway to resolve the crisis before the next training session.
Meanwhile, tensions were already high in the camp after the NFF reportedly protested to FIFA over the appointment of South African and Beninese referees for the Gabon tie, citing concerns about neutrality.
The Super Eagles are expected to resume training on Wednesday, provided a resolution is reached in time. Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is also expected to join the team, completing the 24-man roster ahead of what has become one of Nigeria’s most important matches in recent years.
