Super Eagles bonus boycott disrupts World Cup preparations as players protest unpaid allowances, urging quick resolution ahead of Gabon clash

Super Eagles bonus boycott has cast uncertainty over Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup Africa play-off campaign, as the squad and technical staff refused to train in Rabat on Tuesday.

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The players and officials withheld participation in protest over unpaid allowances dating back to 2019, covering achievements such as reaching the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and qualifying for the World Cup play-offs.

BBC Sports journalist Oluwashina Okeleji reported the squad is “awaiting a quick resolution to continue preparation for Thursday’s game” against Gabon.

A statement signed by the squad and technical crew read: “The full squad, including officials, withheld from training today in Morocco because of unresolved issues with outstanding payments.

The Super Eagles are awaiting a quick resolution to continue preparation for Thursday’s game with Gabon. Thank you. From the players.”

Sports photojournalist Sulaimon Adebayo also confirmed the boycott from the camp in Morocco. Nigeria Football Federation officials had received inquiries but had not responded at the time of reporting.

The squad in Morocco includes 23 players, led by captain William Troost-Ekong, with key forwards Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, and Akor Adams. Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, recently in form with Udinese, is yet to join the camp.

Training officially began on Sunday at Rive Hotel in Rabat. Head coach Eric Chelle had intensified sessions on Monday with 14 players present, although Sevilla duo Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke were absent. Ademola Lookman arrived later to bolster attacking options.

Nigeria faces Gabon on Thursday at the 22,000-capacity Moulay Hassan Stadium.

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The winner will meet either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo in the final on November 16 for a chance at the inter-confederation play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.