The Super Eagles conducted a training session in Fez on Wednesday despite concerns over unpaid bonuses, following reports that players and officials were prepared to boycott training and delay travel to Marrakesh unless outstanding entitlements were settled.
The team was scheduled to train before flying to Marrakesh on Thursday ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final against Algeria. Tensions arose after claims that win bonuses from four matches—against Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Mozambique—had not been received. Veteran sports journalist Oluwashina Okeleji reported that both players and coaching staff were awaiting promised payments and threatened to withhold training and travel if the issue was unresolved.
Attempts to obtain immediate clarification from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) proved unsuccessful. Several officials declined to comment, while team media officer Promise Efoghe and NFF President Ibrahim Gusau reportedly said they were unaware of the situation.
Hours later, journalist Tobi Adepoju reported that the federation was taking steps to address the issue. Quoting a top NFF official, Adepoju stated, “The monies have been processed from CBN to individual banks. The players and officials will receive all their bonuses when the process is completed.”
Following the update, the Super Eagles proceeded with their training session in Fez, signalling that the earlier stance was largely precautionary and intended as a warning. The team is still scheduled to travel to Marrakesh on Thursday for Saturday’s quarter-final clash against Algeria.
The episode recalls a similar incident in November, when Nigeria boycotted training in Rabat ahead of a crucial 2026 World Cup play-off against Gabon due to unpaid bonuses and allowances, some dating back to 2019. With the tournament reaching a decisive stage, attention now turns to whether all off-field concerns have been fully resolved.
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