The Nigeria national football team has refused to train ahead of its crucial CAF play‑offs match, highlighting deep‑seated payment disputes. The squad, gathered in Rabat for a vital qualifying clash, halted preparations until the federation addresses longstanding bonus and allowance arrears.
The squad of Nigeria officially boycotted a training session Tuesday in Rabat in protest of unpaid allowances and bonuses owed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). The disruption comes ahead of the CAF play‑offs semi‑final against Gabon, part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification process.
Players and technical staff reportedly refused to leave the dressing room for scheduled drills. According to reports, unpaid bonuses date back to 2019 and include entitlements from the Africa Cup of Nations and previous World Cup qualifying campaigns. Captain William Troost‑Ekong confirmed the boycott via social media, writing: “Once resolution is found we will be the first to confirm. Any other statement or claim especially demands other than the rightful request written about below is false.”
The team had entered camp in Rabat with preparations underway for the CAF play‑offs series, which is part of the continental path to the World Cup. Officials within the NFF are said to be engaging in emergency talks with player representatives to resolve the impasse
This incident reflects recurring issues within Nigerian football. The NFF has faced previous crises over player compensation, including delays and non‑payment of bonuses. The timing of the boycott just days before a key CAF play‑off match raises concerns about the team’s focus and morale.
The CAF play‑offs format places heavy pressure on teams such as Nigeria to perform. The winner of the semi‑final advances to a final playoff, which in turn could secure a spot in the intercontinental play‑offs for the 2026 World Cup. A report noted: “The full squad, including officials, withheld from training today in Morocco because of unresolved issues with outstanding payments.”
Some players had earlier drawn attention to perceived poor conditions in the camp. A separate matter involved midfielder Alex Iwobi posting a video of the team hotel, prompting media commentary. The federation has not issued a full public statement yet, though sources say deliberations are underway.
With the match looming, the squad faces a challenging path to maintain performance while off‑field issues persist. Nigeria’s status as a three‑time African champion adds further weight to the expectations. The CAF play‑offs present one of the few remaining routes for qualification to the global tournament.
This boycott underscores a structural tension between players and the Nigeria Football Federation within African football. The dispute has direct sporting implications. Nigeria’s disrupted preparation puts the team at risk in a high‑stakes CAF play‑offs scenario. From a social perspective the stand raises questions of athletes’ rights and the professional standards expected in national‑team environments.
Economically the federation’s failure to meet financial obligations erodes trust among players and stakeholders. The political dimension within Nigerian football governance is evident: persistent disputes over remuneration reflect challenges in institutional accountability and resource management. Long term, resolution of such disputes is essential not only for Nigeria’s immediate World Cup ambitions but for the credibility of its national football structure.
As Nigeria navigates this crisis, the focus now shifts to whether the federation and players can reach a settlement in time to resume training and compete effectively in the CAF play‑offs. The outcome will influence not only this campaign but the broader state of Nigerian football going forward.
Read Also: France arrive in style as focus shifts to decisive World Cup qualifiers
