Nigeria’s preparations for Thursday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon suffered a major setback on Tuesday as the Super Eagles players and officials boycotted training in Rabat over unpaid allowances and bonuses.
According to veteran BBC journalist Oluwashina Okeleji, the entire squad, including backroom staff, refused to train due to long-standing financial grievances with football authorities.
In a brief statement reportedly issued jointly by players and officials, the team said: “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 boycott comes just two days before 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 match result could determine Nigeria’s path to the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Before the disruption, Nigeria’s camp had shown growing confidence following the arrival of Victor Osimhen on Tuesday. The 2023 African Player of the Year joined 22 other players in Rabat, bringing renewed optimism to head coach Eric Chelle’s squad. Training sessions had focused on tactical drills, pressing transitions, and set-piece coordination.
However, the financial dispute has cast a shadow over the team’s preparations. Players are reportedly unhappy about delayed bonuses and appearance fees from previous international engagements.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has yet to issue a formal statement, though discussions are reportedly ongoing to resolve the impasse swiftly.
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.
Earlier this week, the NFF lodged a protest with FIFA over the appointment of South African and Beninese match officials for the Gabon tie, citing concerns over neutrality due to both countries’ involvement in Nigeria’s previous qualifying group.
The Super Eagles are expected to resume training on Wednesday, pending resolution of the financial dispute, as they aim to focus on what is seen as one of Nigeria’s most important fixtures in recent years. If the dispute is settled in time, head coach Chelle will have his full squad of 24 players, including Okoye, available for Thursday’s must-win encounter in Rabat.
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