NFF working to resolve Super Eagles bonus impasse amid training boycott

Officials of the Nigerian football Federation (NFF) are working to get Super Eagles players to return to training amid Tuesday’s boycott.

Nigeria’s preparations for the decisive 2026 World Cup playoff clash against Gabon have been disrupted after players and officials boycotted training today over unpaid bonuses.

In a statement issued by the Super Eagles’ players and staff, the entire squad, including team officials, confirmed they refused to train in Morocco due to unresolved issues regarding outstanding payments.

“The full squad, including officials, boycotted training today in Morocco because of the unresolved issues with outstanding payments,” the statement read.

“The Super Eagles are awaiting a quick resolution to continue the preparation for Thursday’s game with Gabon,” it added.

The team had earlier completed their first training session in Rabat on Monday, with most of the invited players present. Additional arrivals on Tuesday, including Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen and Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, increased the squad size to 24.

The boycott comes at a crucial moment, with Nigeria set to face Gabon on Thursday at the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan in Rabat.

The encounter is considered pivotal to the country’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Gabon, led by veteran forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, will present a difficult challenge for the Super Eagles, who are under mounting pressure to avoid missing a second consecutive World Cup.

Should Nigeria advance, they will meet the winner between Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the final playoff on November 16.

The victor of that tie will move on to the Intercontinental Playoffs in March 2026, with a place at the World Cup at stake.