By Wealth Oghenemaro
Nigeria’s preparations for Thursday’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon have been thrown into turmoil following a training boycott by the Super Eagles in Rabat, Morocco.
Players and officials reportedly refused to train on Tuesday over lingering issues concerning unpaid allowances and bonuses. The standoff, confirmed by team sources, disrupted preparations just two days before the crucial encounter.
In a joint statement attributed to both players and officials, the squad said: “The full squad, including officials, withheld from training today in Morocco due to unresolved issues concerning outstanding payments. The Super Eagles are awaiting a quick resolution to continue preparations for Thursday’s game against Gabon.”
The protest comes at a critical moment, with Nigeria set to face Gabon in the semi-final of the World Cup Africa Playoff Tournament at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Rabat — a match that could determine the country’s qualification route to the expanded 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Before Tuesday’s boycott, team morale appeared high following the arrival of Victor Osimhen, the 2023 African Player of the Year, who joined 22 other players in camp. Training sessions had reportedly focused on tactical organization, transitions, and set-piece drills under head coach Eric Chelle.
However, the unresolved dispute over unpaid bonuses and appearance fees from previous matches has now cast a shadow over the team’s preparations. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has yet to issue an official response, though sources suggest discussions are ongoing to resolve the matter.
The Super Eagles’ camp currently includes 23 players — among them Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze, and Ademola Lookman — while goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is expected to join shortly.
Meanwhile, the NFF earlier this week lodged a protest with FIFA over the appointment of South African and Beninese referees for the Gabon fixture, citing concerns about neutrality.
Training is expected to resume on Wednesday if the financial impasse is resolved, with Chelle hoping to have his full 24-man squad available for what is regarded as one of Nigeria’s most consequential matches in recent years.
