JUST IN: Super Eagles Boycott Training in Morocco Over Unpaid Allowances
The Super Eagles players and officials have chosen not to participate in today's training session in Rabat, Morocco, due to ongoing issues surrounding unpaid allowances and bonuses. The boycott comes just two days before the team's crucial 2026 World Cup playoff against Gabon, which is scheduled to take place on Thursday at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
According to reports, the players have been waiting for their bonuses and allowances from previous international engagements, with some payments dating back to 2019. The team released a joint statement confirming the boycott, stating that they are "awaiting a quick resolution to continue preparations for Thursday's game with Gabon."
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has yet to issue a formal statement addressing the issue, although discussions are reportedly underway to resolve the impasse swiftly. The Super Eagles are expected to resume training on Wednesday, pending a resolution to the financial standoff.
The boycott has cast a shadow over the team's build-up to the match, which is seen as one of Nigeria's most important fixtures in recent years. The result of the match could determine Nigeria's path to the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Super Eagles have 23 players in camp, including Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze, and Ademola Lookman, with goalkeeper Maduka Okoye still expected to arrive. If the dispute is settled in time, head coach Eric Chelle will have his full squad of 24 players available for Thursday's must-win encounter.
The development adds to an already tense preparation period for the team, with the NFF having lodged a protest with FIFA earlier this week challenging the appointment of South African and Beninese match officials for the Gabon tie, citing concerns over neutrality.
The Super Eagles are hoping for a swift settlement to the dispute, which has raised concerns about the team's morale and preparation for the crucial match.
