Super Eagles Boycott Training Over Unpaid Allowances Ahead Of World Cup Qualifier

Nigeria’s Super Eagles players boycotted their training session on Tuesday in protest over unpaid allowances and bonuses, team captain William Troost-Ekong confirmed.

Reports indicate the players refused to train ahead of their crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier play-off against Gabon, insisting that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) settle outstanding payments before preparations continue.

Taking to X, Troost-Ekong clarified that the team was not making any new demands, but only requesting what was rightfully owed. He stated, “Once resolution is found, we will be the first to confirm. Any other statement or claim, especially demands beyond what is written here, is FALSE. All we want is to focus on the big games ahead.”

The training camp opened on Monday in Rabat, Morocco, ahead of Thursday’s tie. As of Tuesday afternoon, 23 players, including Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, and Ademola Lookman, had joined camp, with goalkeeper Maduka Okoye yet to arrive.

The boycott has sparked mixed reactions among fans, many of whom criticized the NFF for what they described as a “recurring embarrassment” in Nigerian football.

At the time of reporting, the NFF had not issued an official statement regarding the protest or confirmed when the players’ outstanding allowances would be paid.