Exclusive: Ex-Super Eagles midfielder backs Eric Chelle’s men to achieve World Cup dream despite NFF hold

The Super Eagles chose not to train on Tuesday, holding out for the NFF to clear out all outstanding allowances and bonuses…

Former Super Eagles and Shooting Stars midfielder Duke Udi has backed the Nigerian players to give their all to ensure victory in the World Cup play-off clash against Gabon, Soccernet.ng reports.

All 24 of the players called up by Eric Chelle for the World Cup play-offs against Gabon all arrived in Rabat on Monday.

The Super Eagles were supposed to have their first training session yesterday evening, but in a surprising turn of events, they decided to boycott training over unpaid bonuses and allowances from the NFF.

Victor Osimhen of Nigeria celebrate with team mates during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match between Super Eagles of Nigeria and Benin Republic — Victor Osimhen of Nigeria celebrate with teammates during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Benin Republic. Photo by Nsidibe Akpan Copyright: IMAGO

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The team captain, William Troost-Ekong, took to his social media page yesterday to confirm that all issues between the NFF and the Super Eagles have been sorted.

The players then continued their training yesterday evening. However, as a result of these actions, Nigeria will be heading into the Gabon clash with one training session under their belt, instead of a pre-planned two.

Duke Udi slams NFF, urges Super Eagles to focus on World Cup dreams

Nigeria missed the 2022 World Cup due to Francis Uzoho’s error against Ghana, and now have the chance to qualify for the 2026 edition, albeit via a longer route.

Victor Osimhen, Semi Ajayi and William Ekong Troost of Nigeria during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match between Super Eagles of Nigeria and Benin Republic — Victor Osimhen, Semi Ajayi and William Ekong Troost of Nigeria during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Benin Republic. Photo by ImagoxNsidibe Akpan

While the NFF haven’t been forthcoming in terms of their financial promises, Udi pleaded with the players to focus on their collective goal.

“The Super Eagles deserve all that they’re asking for because they worked hard for it,” the 49-year-old told Soccernet.ng.

“The allowance problem between the Nigerian Football Federation and the players has been ongoing for a long time now, so it’s not a new story.

“During our playing days, it was always back and forth with money issues.

Eric Chelle of Nigeria during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Amavubi of Rwanda. Photo by Akpan Nsidibe Copyright: IMAGO

“I trust the players and I have confidence in their abilities to take us to the World Cup.

“The dream of any player is to be there at the World Cup, to play there.

“I wish the Super Eagles the very best, and I know they will make Nigeria proud by qualifying for the World Cup,” Duke Udi concluded.

Nigeria, since making her World Cup debut in 1994, have never missed out on the Mundial in consecutive editions. The Super Eagles were absent from the 2006 (Germany) and 2022 (World Cups).

Eric Chelle’s side can easily find themselves on the wrong side of history if they lose to a free-scoring Gabon, who’ve found the back of the net 13 times in their last five games.

Nigeria celebrate during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on September 6, 2025, in Uyo, Nigeria. [Photo Credit/ ImagoxAkpanNsidibe].

The stage is set for the clash between the Super Eagles and the Panthers at the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan this evening, with kickoff slated for 5:00 PM WAT.

Source: Soccernet