Nigeria’s preparations for Thursday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon have been thrown into turmoil as Super Eagles players have vowed not to take to the pitch until their long-standing allowances are paid.
Reports indicate that the players boycotted training on Tuesday in protest over unpaid bonuses allegedly dating back several years.
As of Wednesday morning, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had yet to issue an official statement, further fuelling uncertainty around the decisive qualifier.
Players Demand Payment Before Kickoff
According to Shooting Stars media officer Adepoju Tobi Samuel, who provided updates on 𝕏 (formerly Twitter), the situation remained unresolved as of early Wednesday.
“There’s no official statement from the NFF. The official media group of the Super Eagles has been calm, with no information since yesterday. Before bedtime yesterday, the players had vowed they wouldn’t play until the NFF cleared all the backlog of debts,” he wrote.
Adepoju added that officials from the National Sports Commission (NSC) have intervened, confirming that funds were released to the NFF late Tuesday night.
“The NSC told me that they have released further funds for the NFF yesterday night. The NSC also told me that they have released monies due for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers to the NFF. NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, is expected to meet with the players this morning,” he added.
Troost-Ekong Confirms Dispute Unresolved
Despite assurances from the NSC, Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong stated that no agreement had yet been reached with the NFF.
Responding to journalist Oluwashina Okeleji on 𝕏, Troost-Ekong said the players’ demands were straightforward and justified.
“Once a resolution is found, we will be the first to confirm. Any other statement/claim or especially demands other than the rightful request written about below is FALSE. All we want and continue to do is focus on the big games ahead,” the defender wrote.
Sources close to the team say the players and coaching crew, led by Eric Chelle, have not received any payments despite reports that funds have been disbursed.
NFF’s Financial Woes Deepen
Sports photographer Pooja Media shed more light on the issue, revealing that the NFF’s financial troubles extend beyond the current team.
“NFF are owing backlogs of unpaid allowances for years, affecting both present and past players and officials,” he wrote.
“The players didn’t make any special offer from the NFF; the offer came from the NFF itself with a figure. The players are fighting for the new generation of players as they want the NFF to be responsible going forward. The fight is beyond unpaid allowances but for the future of football in Nigeria.”
Match Still Scheduled for Thursday
Barring a last-minute resolution, the Super Eagles are scheduled to face Gabon in Rabat, Morocco, at 5 p.m. (Nigerian time) on Thursday, November 13.
The outcome of the standoff could significantly impact Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
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