Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations faced disruption as Super Eagles players and staff boycotted training over unpaid allowances and bonuses. The financial dispute, with arrears dating back to 2019, emerged just two days before their crucial play-off against Gabon in Morocco.
The protest has intensified pressure on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to resolve the issue swiftly. Prominent players like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are among those leading the protest for immediate payment. They have refused to resume training ahead of Thursday’s semi-final at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat (16:00 GMT).
“Once resolution is found we will be the first to confirm,” said Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong on X. “All we want and continue to do is focus on the big games ahead.”
Longstanding Dispute Puts Pressure on NFF
The NFF has not released any official statement yet. However, sources confirm that urgent talks are currently underway to resolve the issue. The dispute reportedly involves unpaid allowances from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Players are expected to return to training on Wednesday if the federation reaches an agreement in time. The standoff has reignited frustration among fans across the country. Many accuse the NFF of repeatedly failing to meet financial commitments to players and coaching staff.
Nigeria’s World Cup Hopes at Stake
The timing of the protest couldn’t be worse for the Super Eagles, who need to beat Gabon to keep their 2026 World Cup hopes alive. A win would set up a final clash against either Cameroon or DR Congo on Sunday.
The winner of that match will qualify for the intercontinental play-off next March. In that stage, six teams will compete for two remaining 2026 World Cup spots in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Fans and analysts are urging a quick resolution, warning that the ongoing financial dispute could hurt Nigeria’s qualification momentum.
Stay Updated for all the latest Sports News, follow Todaysmatchprediction on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
