Nigeria’s Super Eagles and their technical staff have boycotted training in Rabat, Morocco, on Tuesday, citing unresolved bonus payments and allowances dating back to 2019.
Naija News reports that the move has raised concerns ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa play-off semi-final against Gabon.
The squad, alongside officials, withheld their participation in training as a protest against the non-payment of outstanding bonuses, including for their achievements in reaching the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and qualifying for the World Cup play-offs.
BBC Sports journalist, Oluwashina Okeleji, reported that the players and staff are “awaiting a quick resolution to continue preparation for Thursday’s game.”
Okeleji further revealed on 𝕏 that none of the Super Eagles players had received their allocated bonuses, describing the situation as one of frustration, with players “tired of empty promises.”
A statement, reportedly signed by the squad and technical crew, read in part: “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.”
The boycott was further confirmed by sports photojournalist, Sulaimon Adebayo, who is covering the team’s camp in Morocco. Adebayo shared updates from the training ground, indicating that the squad had indeed refused to train until the issue was addressed.
The squad in Morocco currently consists of 23 players, including key players such as captain William Troost-Ekong, forwards Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, and Akor Adams. The defense features players like Calvin Bassey, Chidozie Awaziem, and Semi Ajayi, while midfielders include Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Raphael Onyedika. Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, who recently regained form with Serie A club Udinese, is the only player yet to join the camp.
The Super Eagles held their first full training session on Monday in Rabat, with 14 players present. Head coach Eric Chelle has been intensifying preparations ahead of the play-off. Notably, Sevilla duo Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke did not participate in the session, while the arrival of African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman, in the afternoon added more attacking options to the squad.
The official camp opened on Sunday at the Rive Hotel in Rabat, with technical staff present to receive early arrivals.
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