Nigeria’s Super Eagles have boycotted training in Rabat, Morocco, over unresolved bonus payments — just two days before their 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-off semi-final against Gabon.
According to BBC Sport journalist Oluwashina Okeleji, the players and technical staff refused to train on Tuesday, citing outstanding allowances dating as far back as 2019, including bonuses for qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and reaching the World Cup play-offs.
Okeleji shared on X (formerly Twitter) that the squad was “awaiting a quick resolution to continue preparation for Thursday’s game,” adding that players were “tired of empty promises” over unpaid entitlements.
A statement reportedly signed by the players and coaching crew confirmed the protest:
“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 development.
When contacted, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Communications Director Ademola Olajire and Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe acknowledged receipt of messages but had yet to provide any official response at the time of filing this report.
Squad in Camp
The Super Eagles’ 23-man squad in Rabat includes captain William Troost-Ekong, forwards Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, and Akor Adams.
Others in camp are defenders Calvin Bassey, Chidozie Awaziem, Benjamin Frederick, Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, Amas Obasogie, Stanley Nwabali, and midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, and Bright Osayi-Samuel.
Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye (Udinese) is the only player yet to join the squad.
The team held its first full training session on Monday with 14 players in attendance, as head coach Eric Chelle intensified preparations. Sevilla duo Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke were excused, while Ademola Lookman, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, joined later in the day.
The Super Eagles are camped at the Rive Hotel, with technical staff already on ground to receive early arrivals.
Nigeria will face 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 of both fixtures meeting on November 16 to determine who progresses to the inter-confederation play-offs for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.