Nigeria squad and officials boycott training over bonus dispute ahead of 2026 World Cup playoff

Nigeria’s Super Eagles and their technical team refused to train in Rabat on Tuesday as frustration over unpaid bonuses spilled into open protest ahead of Thursday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa play-off semi-final against Gabon.

The squad paused all pitch activities, demanding settlement of allowances that date back to 2019, including payments tied to qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup play-off campaign.

BBC Sports journalist Oluwashina Okeleji reported that players and officials want an immediate resolution before returning to preparations.

In posts shared on X, he confirmed that none of the team members had received their promised bonuses, quoting frustration in the camp and describing the mood as one defined by exhaustion with unfulfilled guarantees.

A formal message, reportedly endorsed by both players and staff, accompanied his update. It read: “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.”

Sports photojournalist Sulaimon Adebayo, reporting directly from the team base in Morocco, verified the training boycott.

Communication with federation representative Efoghe confirmed that the message had reached the relevant channels, though no public response followed at the time of reporting.

Nigeria currently has 23 players in camp, led by captain William Troost-Ekong. The roster includes forwards Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze and Akor Adams, defenders Calvin Bassey, Chidozie Awaziem, Benjamin Frederick, Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, Amas Obasogie and Stanley Nwabali, plus midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun and Bright Osayi-Samuel. Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye remains the only player yet to report for duty.

Head coach Eric Chelle led Monday’s first full training session with 14 available players.

Sevilla pair Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke did not take part, while the arrival of African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman later in the day strengthened attacking options.

The camp officially opened on Sunday at the Rive Hotel in Rabat, where coaching staff welcomed early arrivals before the dispute halted movement on the pitch.