The Super Eagles have resumed full training in Rabat, Morocco, after a two-day boycott over unpaid bonuses and allowances, bringing relief to Nigerian football fans ahead of Thursday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Gabon.
The players had on Monday and Tuesday refused to train, citing frustration over what they described as repeated broken promises by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) concerning unpaid match bonuses, camp allowances, and appearance fees. The standoff cast a shadow over Nigeria’s preparations for the World Cup qualifiers and sparked fears of a possible setback to the team’s morale and readiness.
However, the crisis was resolved late Tuesday following the swift intervention of the National Sports Commission (NSC), which stepped in to mediate between the players and the NFF. The NSC reportedly assured the players that their entitlements would be paid without further delay, allowing the squad to return to full training sessions.
Team captain, William Troost-Ekong, confirmed the resolution of the dispute in a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account late Tuesday.
“Issue resolved. We are together and, as before, focused on the games ahead,” he wrote, adding a Nigerian flag emoji to emphasize unity within the camp.
His message reassured fans who had grown anxious about the standoff, especially with just days to the important qualifier. The post quickly went viral, attracting positive reactions from supporters who praised the players for standing their ground while also commending them for returning to focus on national duty.
The row between the players and football administrators is not new. Bonus disputes have long been a recurring issue in Nigerian football, often re-emerging before or during major tournaments. In 2013, during the Confederations Cup in Brazil, the Super Eagles reportedly refused to board a flight to their next match due to unpaid allowances. A similar situation occurred before the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, when the team threatened to boycott a round-of-16 match against France over unpaid bonuses.
More recently, during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon, reports surfaced that players were disgruntled over delayed payments, although the matter was later managed quietly to prevent distractions.
This latest episode appeared to follow the same pattern, raising concerns about financial management within the NFF and its ability to maintain stable relations with players representing the country at international level.
Sources close to the team’s camp said the NSC intervened promptly after being briefed about the situation. Officials reportedly held several meetings with team representatives, the NFF, and senior players to find a solution. The Commission’s involvement was crucial in breaking the deadlock, ensuring that the players could refocus on their upcoming match.
According to reports from Morocco, a commitment was reached for immediate partial payment of the outstanding entitlements, with the balance expected to be cleared before the team’s next international window. The NSC also promised to establish a more transparent payment structure to avoid similar disruptions in the future.
With training now back on track, the Super Eagles are expected to intensify preparations for their match against Gabon on Thursday. The fixture is seen as pivotal in Nigeria’s quest to secure a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
