Nigeria’s Super Eagles have reportedly boycotted their training session in Rabat on Tuesday over long-standing unpaid bonuses, throwing uncertainty over their 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa play-off semi-final clash against Gabon.

It was gathered that the players and technical crew refused to train in protest against delayed payments dating back to 2019. These include bonuses for qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and advancing to the World Cup play-offs.

BBC Sport journalist Oluwashina Okeleji revealed via X that the team and staff were “awaiting a quick resolution to continue preparation for Thursday’s game.” He added that none of the players had received their entitlements, noting their frustration with “years of unfulfilled promises.”

A statement reportedly signed by the players and officials confirmed the protest:
“The full squad, including officials, was withheld from training today in Morocco due to unresolved issues with outstanding payments. The Super Eagles are awaiting a quick resolution to resume preparation for Thursday’s game against Gabon.”

The boycott was also confirmed by sports photojournalist Sulaimon Adebayo, who is currently covering the team’s camp in Morocco.
The 23-man squad in Rabat includes captain William Troost-Ekong, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, and Akor Adams. Others are Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, Benjamin Frederick, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, and Stanley Nwabali.

Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, who recently returned to form with Udinese in Serie A, is the only player yet to arrive at camp. The team had its first full session on Monday with 14 players before the protest, as head coach Eric Chelle continued tactical drills.

Nigeria will face Gabon on Thursday at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, while Cameroon and DR Congo clash in the other semi-final at El-Barid Stadium. Winners of both ties will meet on November 16 to determine Africa’s representative at the inter-confederation play-offs for a spot at the 2026 World Cup in North America.