2026 WCQ Playoff: Augustine Eguavoen criticises Super Eagles over timing of strike ahead of Gabon clash

Former Super Eagles coach and current NFF Technical Director, Augustine Eguavoen, has criticised the timing of the players’ recent strike in Rabat ahead of their crucial 2026 World Cup playoff against Gabon.

The Nigerian team had refused to train, protesting over unpaid bonuses and allowances, just days before the high-stakes fixture.

Eguavoen, who once captained and coached the Super Eagles, admitted that while the players had every right to demand their dues, their choice of timing was unfortunate.

“The timing of the strike was wrong. They might have had their reasons, but the timing was not the best,” he told NFF media.

He stressed that incidents like this could easily disrupt preparation for a game of such importance.

Despite his criticism, Eguavoen expressed confidence in the players’ determination to deliver, saying, “These boys want to go to the World Cup, that’s every footballer’s dream.”

The standoff in Rabat was eventually settled after hours of talks between the NFF and the National Sports Commission.

Captain William Troost-Ekong later confirmed that the outstanding payments had been cleared, allowing the team to return to training on Wednesday evening.

The encounter between Nigeria and Gabon on Thursday is scheduled to kick off at 4 pm.