Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs have suffered a setback as the Super Eagles boycotted their training session in Rabat, Morocco, on Tuesday over disagreements about special bonuses for the upcoming matches.
The players reportedly refused to train in protest against the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) offer for the playoff allowances ahead of Thursday’s clash with Gabon, and a potential final against either DR Congo or Cameroon.
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According to sports journalist Sulaiman Adebayo, popularly known as Pooja, who reported live from the Super Eagles’ camp, the NFF has cleared all outstanding payments, but the current dispute concerns new bonuses specifically for the playoffs.
“I am very certain the Super Eagles will not be going for training today (Tuesday) ahead of the Gabon game on Thursday,” Pooja said on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
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“The Super Eagles officials have exonerated themselves from the saga. The players are demanding special bonuses ahead of the playoff games in Morocco. The NFF made an offer, but the players rejected it and submitted a counteroffer.”
Pooja added that he hopes both parties will reach a resolution soon, noting that the National Sports Commission, led by Shehu Dikko, has already cleared all outstanding allowances and match bonuses before the team’s arrival in Morocco.
“This issue is not about previous allowances but special bonuses for the crucial playoff games in Morocco against Gabon and possibly DR Congo or Cameroon,” he said.
The Super Eagles’ training camp opened in Rabat on Monday, with 23 players already in camp as of Tuesday afternoon, according to the team’s official X handle.
