Super Eagles end bonus row, return to training before Gabon showdown

Calm has swept through the Super Eagles’ camp in Rabat after a potential crisis over unpaid bonuses was brought under control ahead of Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup playoff.

The situation escalated on Wednesday morning when reports claimed that players and technical staff had skipped training in protest over outstanding financial entitlements.

Hours later, however, the deadlock was broken following a series of high-level meetings involving senior squad members, coaches, and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials.

Captain William Troost-Ekong confirmed the breakthrough in a post on X, writing: “Issue RESOLVED. Outstanding financials cleared and on ground.

“Team is UNITED and focused as before on representing NIGERIA with our maximum for the games ahead!”

The morning’s disruption had sparked alarm across Nigeria, with many fearing a repeat of past off-field disputes that have often overshadowed crucial fixtures.

Inside the camp, Troost-Ekong, alongside senior players Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi, reportedly played a major role in persuading teammates to return to training and refocus on the upcoming playoff.

Their intervention was key to restoring order and ensuring preparations continued as planned.

Yet the episode again exposes the persistent mistrust between the players and the NFF, rooted in recurring problems with unpaid wages and bonuses that date back several international windows.

With the situation now settled, Nigeria’s attention turns fully to the CAF playoff tournament in Morocco.

The Super Eagles will face Gabon in the semi-final on November 13. Should they advance, they will meet either Cameroon or DR Congo in the final four days later.

The winner of the CAF playoffs will move on to the six-nation inter-confederation tournament in Mexico, where two remaining World Cup spots will be contested.