The Super Eagles’ preparations for their crucial 2026 World Cup playoff clash against Gabon have been overshadowed by a major off-field crisis in Morocco.
The Nigerian national team boycotted training on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, over unpaid bonuses and poor welfare conditions, which has sparked a widespread of concern among fans and officials just days before the decisive fixture.
Here are five key things you need to know about the boycott action rocking the Super Eagles’ camp
What Happened Between the Super Eagles and the NFF
The Super Eagles players and staff staged a boycott of a training session in Rabat, Morocco, ahead of their upcoming playoff match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoffs against the Gabon national football team. They refused to train until their grievances were addressed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The Cause of the Protest
The primary issue is that the squad claims they are owed bonuses and allowances—some dating back to 2019—from past tournaments and qualifiers. This also affects officials and backroom staff.
Timing of the Protest
The protest comes at a critical moment, just two days before their must-win playoff game against Gabon. This disruption threatens their match preparations at such a crucial stage, potentially jeopardizing the chances of the three-time African champions to qualify for the World Cup scheduled for next year.
Accommodation and Welfare Concerns
Some individuals have raised concerns regarding the substandard hotel accommodations in Morocco, as evidenced by a viral video shared by Alex Ihow. However, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has defended the choice of hotel as acceptable and attributed the negative perceptions to a misinterpretation of the video.
Broader Concerns for the Future
Reports from the Super Eagles camp indicate that the issues extend beyond unpaid allowances; they also concern the future of football in Nigeria, particularly for the players who will follow this current squad.
Nigerians and football stakeholders have expressed frustration over the perceived mismanagement of player welfare and the federation’s finances. The continent of Africa will be watching the Super Eagles to see if they can overcome these distractions and qualify for the next round.
