Nigeria’s Super Eagles and their technical staff staged a surprise boycott of training in Rabat on Tuesday, citing unresolved bonus payments, leaving fans and officials stunned ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa play-off semi-final against Gabon. Softfootball reported that the team trained normally yesterday ahead of their clash but refused today.
The Super Eagles had even posted on their official X handle earlier in the day, announcing that preparations and training were set to begin as scheduled following the arrival of all the players except Maduka Okoye to camp.
They posted:
However, in a dramatic twist, the squad and officials withheld participation, citing outstanding allowances dating back to 2019 for achievements including reaching the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and securing a World Cup play-off spot.
A statement from the players and technical crew confirmed the protest, emphasising that they were awaiting a quick resolution to continue preparation for Thursday’s game. Reports indicate that none of the players or staff had received their allocated bonuses, prompting frustration described as “tired of empty promises.”
The Super Eagles’ camp in Morocco currently hosts 23 players, including captain William Troost-Ekong. Forward options include Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, and Akor Adams, while defenders Calvin Bassey, Chidozie Awaziem, Benjamin Frederick, Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, Amas Obasogie, and Stanley Nwabali form the backline. Midfielders include Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, and Bright Osayi-Samuel. Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is yet to join the squad.
Monday’s first full training session had 14 players in attendance as head coach Eric Chelle, who is celebrating his 48th birthday anniversary today, began ramping up tactical preparations. Sevilla duo Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke were absent, while African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman arrived later, strengthening Nigeria’s attacking options.
Nigeria will face Gabon on Thursday at the 22,000-capacity Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat. Meanwhile, Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo play in the other semi-final at El-Barid Stadium. The winners will meet on November 16 to determine who advances to the intercontinental play-offs for a 2026 World Cup spot in North America.
The unexpected training boycott underscores ongoing tensions over payments and adds an extra layer of uncertainty ahead of a crucial fixture, leaving the Nigerian camp and supporters hoping for a swift resolution.
