Nigeria vs Gabon: Super Eagles boycott training over unpaid bonuses
The Super Eagles have halted their preparations in Morocco, refusing to train to protest the non-payment of their bonuses for two years, as Nigeria face Gabon next Thursday in the 2026 World Cup play-offs.
Victor Osimhen@africatopsports
Nigeria’s Super Eagles’ preparation for the 2026 World Cup play-offs was disrupted on Tuesday by a player protest. According to SCORENigeria, the entire squad refused to train to denounce the non-payment of their bonuses, which have been outstanding for nearly two years.
The players reportedly made it clear to their coach, Éric Chelle, that they would no longer take part in collective sessions until the Federation regularised the situation. The amounts claimed relate in particular to bonuses tied to the qualification campaigns for AFCON 2025 and the 2026 World Cup.
The squad had, however, begun preparations on Monday in Rabat, Morocco, where they are training at hôtel Rive. Twenty-three players have already joined the base camp. A second session was scheduled for Tuesday evening, but it could be compromised if no agreement is reached in the coming hours.
This matter has disturbed the Nigerian group’s calm on the eve of a decisive match, as the Super Eagles hope to secure their place at the next World Cup.