Nigeria’s preparations for Thursday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off against Gabon have been thrown into disarray after players and coaching staff refused to train on Tuesday in protest over unpaid bonuses and allowances.
The stand-off, which erupted just 48 hours before the semi-final in Rabat, Morocco, stems from long-standing grievances between the squad and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Players are reportedly demanding settlement of outstanding match bonuses as well as a special allowance promised for the ongoing qualification series.
A senior team official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the players “decided collectively not to take part in training until the issue is resolved.”
Efforts to reach NFF officials for comment have so far proved unsuccessful, though sources say emergency meetings were held late Tuesday night to calm tensions and seek a compromise.
Star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are understood to have joined their teammates in the boycott, insisting that the matter be addressed before Thursday’s game.
Captain William Troost-Ekong, in a short post on X (formerly Twitter), urged calm, saying the team remained committed to their World Cup dream.
“We love representing Nigeria, and we’ll always give our best,” he wrote. “We just hope everything can be sorted quickly so we can focus fully on the pitch.”
The Super Eagles are expected to return to training on Wednesday if progress is made in negotiations. However, the timing of the dispute has raised fresh concerns among fans, many of whom have criticised the NFF’s handling of players’ welfare.
Nigeria’s football authorities have faced similar controversies in past tournaments, with payment delays becoming a recurring theme. Analysts warn that such distractions could harm the team’s focus ahead of what is a must-win tie.
Nigeria must beat Gabon to remain in contention for a place at the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The winner of Thursday’s match will advance to face either Cameroon or DR Congo in Sunday’s play-off final — the last step before next March’s intercontinental qualifiers.