World Cup Play-Off: Why Super Eagles Boycotted Tuesday’s Training Despite Crucial Match

FILE: Nigeria’s players pose ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2023 semi-final football match between Nigeria and South Africa at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake on February 7, 2024. (Photo by Issouf SANOGO / AFP)

The Super Eagles of Nigeria boycotted their training session in Rabat, Morocco, on Tuesday ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa play-off against Gabon, over unpaid bonuses.

A top team official, who preferred not to be named, confirmed the development to Channels Television.

It was learned that the players, along with some officials, refused to train in protest over outstanding allowances.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had not issued an official statement on the matter as of the time of filing this report.

The Super Eagles’ training camp officially opened in Rabat on Monday, ahead of Thursday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup CAF qualifier against Gabon.

According to the official X handle of the Super Eagles, 23 players were already in camp as of Tuesday afternoon, with only goalkeeper Maduka Okoye yet to join the team.

Those currently in Morocco include Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, William Troost-Ekong, Benjamin Fredericks, and Chidozie Awaziem.

Others are Amas Obasogie, Stanley Nwabali, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Raphael Onyedika, Zaidu Sanusi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Victor Osimhen.