Nigeria: the threat of a boycott looms ahead of the playoff against Gabon

Tensions are rising within the Nigerian squad on the eve of the 2026 World Cup playoff against Gabon. The Super Eagles are threatening not to play the match if their financial demands are not met.

As early as Tuesday, the players had refused to train to protest the non-payment of several bonuses, some dating back several years. Wednesday morning, the situation remained deadlocked, with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) having released no official statement.

On X, sports journalist Adepoju Tobi Samuel (Shooting Stars) reported that the players reaffirmed their stance overnight: they refuse to play until the NFF has settled all arrears.

According to the same source, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has reportedly released emergency funds to try to calm the crisis and allow the payment of the amounts owed. The NFF president, Ibrahim Gusau, is due to meet the players Wednesday morning to try to find common ground. A favorable outcome is still hoped for, just hours before a decisive match for Nigeria’s qualification to the 2026 World Cup.