Nigeria’s Super Eagles and their technical crew staged a boycott of scheduled training sessions in Rabat, Morocco, on Tuesday, citing long-standing unpaid bonuses and allowances. The action comes just two days before their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa play-off semi-final against Gabon.
The entire squad, including players and coaching staff, refused to participate in the planned afternoon session at the team’s training base, in protest over financial commitments dating back to 2019. According to BBC Sports journalist Oluwashina Okeleji, the outstanding payments include bonuses for qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and advancing to the current World Cup play-off stage.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Okeleji wrote:
“None of the Super Eagles players have received their allocated bonuses. They are tired of empty promises and are awaiting a quick resolution to continue preparation for Thursday’s game.”
Attached to the post was an official statement reportedly signed by the players and technical crew, which 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.”
The boycott was independently confirmed by sports photojournalist Sulaimon Adebayo, who is embedded with the team in Rabat. Adebayo shared images from the training ground showing an empty pitch during the scheduled session, with no players or staff present.
The development has heightened concerns within the Nigerian football community, with the first leg against Gabon set for Thursday at the Stade Ibn Batouta in Tangier. The Super Eagles are aiming to secure a favorable result ahead of the return leg in Nigeria.
Neither the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) nor team officials have issued an official response to the boycott as of Tuesday evening. Sources within the camp indicate that negotiations are underway to resolve the matter before the team resumes full preparations.
Clarion Newschannel will provide updates as the situation develops.
Super Eagles Boycott Training in Rabat Over Unpaid Bonuses Ahead of World Cup Play-Off
