As Nigeria’s Super Eagles prepare for one of their most crucial assignments in two years — the 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoffs in Morocco — the team has been plunged into yet another avoidable crisis.
On Tuesday, the players and officials boycotted training over years of unpaid bonuses and allowances, exposing once again the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) chronic failures in managing players’ welfare.
The squad, led by captain William Troost-Ekong, refused to train in Rabat, citing unresolved financial commitments stretching back several matches.
According to veteran BBC journalist Oluwashina Okeleji, who first broke the story, the boycott was a united decision involving the players and officials.
They are demanding payment of long-overdue allowances before returning to full preparation for Thursday’s semi-final clash against Gabon.
Sources in Rabat said that, as of Tuesday night, the players had vowed not to play until the NFF cleared all outstanding debts.
Executives
Continue Reading on Premium Times Nigeria
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.