Super Eagles Boycott Training 48 Hours Before Gabon Play-off Over Unpaid Bonuses Dating Back Two Years

Nigeria’s preparation for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa play-off semi-final against Gabon was plunged into crisis today, Tuesday, November 11, 2025, after the entire Super Eagles squad and their technical staff boycotted their scheduled training session in Rabat, Morocco.

The dramatic action, confirmed by journalists covering the team’s camp, was a mass protest against the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over unresolved issues concerning unpaid match bonuses and allowances.

The boycott, which comes just 48 hours before the decisive clash on Thursday, throws Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions into serious jeopardy. A statement reportedly signed by the full squad and backroom staff read: “The full squad, including officials, withheld from training today in Morocco because of the unresolved issues with outstanding payments. The Super Eagles are awaiting a quick resolution to continue preparation for Thursday’s game with Gabon.”

Arrears Dating Back Years

Reports from multiple sources indicate the financial dispute is not recent; the arrears reportedly span nearly two years, covering bonuses and appearance fees from previous international engagements, including qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the current World Cup play-offs. Some veteran players are even allegedly owed payments dating as far back as 2019.

The protest reflects an all-time low in morale, compounded by a growing public outcry over the team’s welfare. This frustration was amplified just hours earlier when Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi shared a viral video through his social media, allegedly exposing the poor lodging conditions at the team’s hotel.

The NFF has yet to issue an official public statement regarding the industrial action. However, officials are reportedly in frantic internal talks to settle the long-standing dispute and persuade the players and staff to resume training immediately, recognizing the existential threat the crisis poses to Nigeria’s qualification hopes for the expanded 2026 World Cup tournament.