As Nigeria gears up for crucial tie with Gabon, squad refuses to train in Morocco over alleged back-payments.
The camp of the Super Eagles of Nigeria in Rabat, Morocco, was thrown into disarray on Tuesday after players and officials refused to train ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff semi-final against Gabon. The protest, which has drawn wide attention across the football community, stems from unpaid bonuses and allowances owed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Unpaid bonuses a recurring issue in Nigerian football management that once again threatens to derail preparations for a key fixture.
According to multiple reports, the entire squad and technical staff boycotted training sessions at the Rive Hotel camp in Rabat. The players’ joint statement confirmed the development:
“The full squad including officials boycotted training today in Morocco because of the unresolved issues with outstanding payments. The Super Eagles are awaiting a quick resolution to continue the preparation for Thursday’s game with Gabon.”
Sources within the team explained that the owed bonuses date back to both the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and the ongoing World Cup 2026 African playoff campaign. For players representing Nigeria across Europe and beyond, this action reflects growing frustration with what they see as repeated administrative neglect.
Bonus Dispute Clouds Nigeria’s World Cup Playoff Preparations
The Nigeria vs Gabon World Cup playoff is scheduled for Thursday at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, yet the Super Eagles’ preparations have ground to a halt. With Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, and Alex Iwobi among the senior players in camp, the standoff could disrupt tactical planning and morale ahead of a match that will determine who faces Cameroon or DR Congo in the playoff final.
This is not the first time Nigeria’s national team has faced off-field distractions before a major encounter. Similar disputes have occurred during past Super Eagles World Cup qualifiers and AFCON campaigns. However, the timing of this latest protest just 48 hours before kickoff makes it particularly concerning.
In an environment where every minute of preparation counts, the Super Eagles training boycott in Morocco underscores long-standing challenges in Nigeria’s football governance. Reports indicate that the NFF has opened urgent talks with senior players and officials to ensure that bonuses and allowances are settled before the team returns to training.
Administrative Lapses Threaten Nigeria’s World Cup Dreams
The Super Eagles unpaid bonus crisis is not just about money; it’s about trust and motivation. As Nigeria’s top stars continue to represent the nation with pride across global leagues, the call for accountability within the NFF has never been louder. If not quickly addressed, it could affect the players’ focus and Nigeria’s ability to perform under pressure in Rabat.
Football analysts argue that beyond technical preparation, professionalism off the pitch is crucial to achieving qualification goals. With the Super Eagles chasing a 2026 World Cup spot, ensuring a stable environment is essential.
What This Means for Nigerian Football
The Super Eagles boycott over unpaid allowances exposes the fragile relationship between players and administrators. For Nigeria, the timing could not be worse. Fans are already eager to see the team redeem its reputation after narrowly missing automatic qualification.
Winning against Gabon is crucial, but so is restoring confidence within the team’s structure. As the NFF races to resolve the issue, Nigerians at home and abroad are watching closely; hoping that financial disputes will not overshadow the country’s pursuit of another World Cup ticket.
A swift resolution could turn the focus back to football, where it belongs. But until that happens, the story of the Super Eagles refusing to train in Morocco remains a sobering reminder that Nigeria’s football greatness must be matched by competent administration.
Stay with Hot Sports Scoops for exclusive Nigerian-focused sports coverage — home and abroad.