Nigeria’s World Cup playoff build-up has been thrown into uncertainty after the Super Eagles boycotted Tuesday’s training session in Rabat, Morocco, over unpaid bonuses and allowances.

The standoff comes just two days before their must-win semifinal against Gabon — a fixture that could shape the nation’s 2026 World Cup destiny, Footballrover reports.

Why Super Eagles Boycotted Training

The team’s Tuesday evening session was reportedly cancelled after both players and backroom staff agreed to suspend training in protest of outstanding payments.

The unresolved bonuses are said to have stretched back to several competitions, including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and recent qualifying rounds.

The situation was made public through Shina Okeleji of BBC African Sports on social media, which confirmed that every member of the team opted out of training pending a quick resolution.

Despite the disruption, sources within the camp described the mood as calm but determined, with players insisting the issue must be addressed before they step back onto the pitch.

Implications for the Must-Win 2026 World Cup Qualifier

The boycott places head coach Eric Chelle in a delicate position as he tries to balance morale and focus ahead of Thursday’s crucial clash at Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan.

Nigeria had completed an intense opening session on Monday, with the squad boosted by the arrivals of Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen and Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye later today to round off a 24-man list.

Facing a Gabonese side spearheaded by former Arsenal and Chelsea star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Nigeria cannot afford distractions at this point in time.

The winner of Thursday’s tie will face either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo in Sunday’s final, with a place in the March 2026 intercontinental playoffs on the line.

For now, the Super Eagles’ most important battle may not be on the pitch. As the countdown to Thursday continues, the hope within camp — and across Nigeria — is that focus can swiftly return to football and the dream of a World Cup return.

This scenario is painfully reminiscent of Nigeria’s 2014 World Cup campaign. Eleven years ago in Brazil, a similar boycott by players disrupted preparations for a Round of 16 clash with France, culminating in a 2-0 defeat.

The cycle of unpaid bonuses and administrative mismanagement by the NFF has repeatedly undermined team focus and morale.

With history threatening to repeat itself, the country faces another critical qualifier under the shadow of internal unrest and organisational failure.

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Last Updated on November 12, 2025 8:24 am by footballrover