The Nigerian Super Eagles’ preparations for Thursday’s crucial 2026 World Cup playoff against Gabon were thrown into disarray as players and officials boycotted training in Morocco on Tuesday due to unresolved issues surrounding unpaid bonuses and allowances dating back as far as 2023.
The entire squad including officials refused to train, as frustrations over outstanding payments reached a boiling point.
The situation has been compounded by viral videos from midfielder Alex Iwobi exposing reportedly poor lodging conditions at the team’s hotel in Rabat, further galvanizing public outrage over the Nigeria Football Federation’s handling of player welfare. Morale in camp is said to be at an all-time low and, with emergency talks reportedly underway, the NFF has yet to issue an official statement regarding when the payments will be settled.
As Nigeria faces Gabon in a high-stakes playoff, the unresolved financial dispute may threaten their World Cup qualification hopes, with only the winner advancing to the next round.
