The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) faced a fresh crisis on Monday as the Super Eagles squad refused to train in Rabat, Morocco, citing an unresolved dispute over match bonuses ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African play‑off semi‑final against Gabon. The NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, was present in Morocco for talks with the players, technical staff and federation officials, but the negotiations stalled over the amount of the winning bonus for the two‑legged tie.
According to a source close to the negotiations, the players demanded $15,000 for each match, a total of $30,000, while the NFF offered $10,000 per match. The source explained that the disagreement was not about daily allowances, which the federation had already promised to pay, but about the size of the performance bonus. Historically, players received $5,000 per match; when former NFF President Amaju Pinnick took office, the amount was doubled to $10,000. Some federation officials have since argued for a reduction back to $5,000, adding to the controversy.
“The amount was kept at $10,000 per player per match. Now all the players are requesting $15,000 per match. They argue that other countries, such as Cameroon, DR Congo, and Gabon, have increased their own winning bonuses, so they want Nigeria to follow suit. That is where we are currently,” the source told The PUNCH.
Reflecting the seriousness of the impasse, the entire squad, including officials, issued a statement signed by the players, which read: “The full squad, including officials, withheld from training today in Morocco because of the unresolved issues with outstanding payments. The Super Eagles is awaiting a quick resolution to continue the preparation for Thursday’s game with Gabon. Thank you. From the players.”
The NFF President and the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, had not responded to inquiries at the time of filing. Communications Director Ademola Olajire and Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe also did not reply to requests for comment.
Only 14 players took part in the first training session on Monday, with goalkeeper Maduka Okoye among the 23 players already in camp. Sevilla forwards Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke were absent, while African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman arrived in the afternoon, adding attacking options to the squad. The camp officially opened on Sunday at the Rive Hotel in Rabat, with technical staff already present to receive early arrivals.
Nigeria is scheduled to face Gabon on Thursday at the 22,000‑capacity Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat. In the other semi‑final, Cameroon will meet the Democratic Republic of Congo at El‑Barid Stadium, and the winners will contest the final on November 16 to earn a place in the inter‑confederation play‑offs for a spot at the 2026 World Cup in North America.
