Nigeria’s preparations for their all-important 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff have been thrown into disarray after players of the Super Eagles reportedly refused to train on Monday in protest over unpaid bonuses, Footy-Africa can exclusively report.
With just two days to go before they face Gabon in Rabat, Morocco, the three-time African champions find themselves grappling with off-field chaos that threatens to derail their qualification hopes.
Nigeria, who failed to secure an automatic World Cup berth, are set to battle Gabon at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex on Thursday, November 13. The winner of that clash will advance to a second playoff on November 16 against either Cameroon or DR Congo, with a spot in the intercontinental playoffs at stake.
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However, the team’s build-up has been overshadowed by growing frustration in camp. Players and technical staff reportedly boycotted training sessions after efforts to resolve outstanding financial commitments hit a dead end. The protest is said to stem from delayed appearance fees and bonuses stretching back several international windows.
An insider close to the squad exclusively told Footy-Africa that the players are unwilling to take to the pitch until they receive concrete assurances from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
“The mood in camp is tense,” the source revealed. “Everyone wants to play, but they also want what they’ve earned. They’ve been patient, but time is running out.”
The NFF has since acknowledged the stand-off, confirming that talks are ongoing to resolve the matter. Officials are reportedly working around the clock to secure funds and avert a total collapse in morale before the decisive tie.
The boys are all in and are heading to trainingl! 💪🏽 #SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/SmHrk3XANZ
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) November 11, 2025
Despite the tension, there remains cautious optimism that an agreement will be reached in time for the Super Eagles to resume training and focus on the task ahead.
With the clock ticking toward kick-off, however, Nigeria’s World Cup dream hangs precariously in the balance, threatened not by the challenge on the pitch, but by turmoil off it.
