Nigeria’s road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a major setback on Tuesday after players of the Super Eagles refused to take part in training over unpaid bonuses.
According to reports, the entire Nigerian delegation in Rabat, including both players and coaching staff, downed tools as a protest against the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) failure to clear outstanding financial entitlements.In a joint statement released by the team, the players confirmed the standoff, saying:
“All players and officials boycotted training in Morocco today due to the unresolved issue of unpaid bonuses. We are waiting for a quick resolution so preparations for Thursday’s game against Gabon can continue.”
The protest comes just two days before the all-important playoff clash with Gabon at the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan in Rabat. Monday’s session had gone smoothly with full participation, while the arrival of key players such as Victor Osimhen and Maduka Okoye earlier on Tuesday had boosted the squad to 24 men.
This latest development adds more pressure on the team as Nigeria aims to avoid another World Cup heartbreak. Gabon, led by experienced striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, are expected to provide a tough challenge for the Super Eagles.If Nigeria advances, they will face the winner between Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the final playoff on November 16.
The victor from that matchup will then move on to the Intercontinental Playoffs in March 2026, where a World Cup spot will be decided.
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