- Super Eagles players boycotted training in Morocco over unpaid bonuses owed since 2023.
- Viral video by Alex Iwobi shows poor accommodation conditions, sparking public outrage.
- NFF has not responded to the protest, raising fears ahead of the World Cup qualifier.
- Nigeria risks losing momentum ahead of the must-win match against Gabon on Thursday.
Nigeria’s preparation for Thursday’s must-win World Cup qualifier has been thrown into disarray after Super Eagles players refused to train on Tuesday in Rabat, Morocco, citing unpaid bonuses and allowances allegedly owed for nearly two years.
The development was first revealed by Nigerian sports journalist, Pooja, who posted live updates on X (formerly Twitter).
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He wrote: “Super Eagles players and officials boycotted training today over unresolved payment issues. This is sad.”
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In another post, Pooja disclosed that the financial dispute stretches back to 2023, saying he was heading to the Super Eagles’ hotel to get “real-time updates.”
The controversy escalated further when midfielder Alex Iwobi posted a short clip online showing what appeared to be the rundown exterior of the team’s hotel in Morocco. The eight-second video, filmed from his window, captured a neglected environment, triggering outrage among fans who criticized the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for its handling of the team’s welfare.
The team had opened camp in Rabat on Sunday, with early arrivals including Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, and Olakunle Olusegun. Training was expected to intensify ahead of Thursday’s clash against Gabon, a match that will determine whether Nigeria advances to the final African playoff against Cameroon or DR Congo.
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Instead, morale has dropped, and uncertainty now surrounds Nigeria’s World Cup campaign.
As of the time of filing this report, the NFF has not released a statement addressing the players’ grievances or confirming when the outstanding payments will be made.
With just hours to kickoff, the Super Eagles’ protest has left many Nigerians questioning whether avoidable administrative issues could sabotage the country’s World Cup ambitions.
