Super Eagles Boycott Training In Morocco Over Unpaid Allowances

By AUGUSTUS ISICHEI

NIGERIA’S World Cup playoff preparations hit a major snag on Tuesday as the Super Eagles boycotted training in Rabat, Morocco, over unpaid bonuses and allowances, reigniting concerns about the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) handling of players’ welfare.

Led by captain William Troost-Ekong, the players refused to train ahead of Thursday’s crucial semi-final clash against Gabon, demanding that all outstanding payments be cleared. Sources said the squad vowed not to play until the NFF settles the debts.

Officials from the National Sports Commission (NSC) reportedly intervened, releasing some funds to the federation, though training had yet to resume as of Wednesday morning.

The standoff adds to the NFF’s long history of broken promises, with past teams — including the 1994 and 2018 squads — facing similar disputes over unpaid entitlements.

Troost-Ekong has since called for calm, assuring fans that players remain committed to qualification once a resolution is reached.

The Super Eagles face Gabon on Thursday in a must-win fixture that could decide Nigeria’s path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, even as the crisis exposes deep cracks in the country’s football administration.