Captain of the Super Eagles has shared a new update on the ongoing strike ahead of the must-win World Cup playoffs fixture, Nigeria vs. Gabon.
After hours of uncertainty and with just a few hours left to the highly anticipated Nigeria vs. Gabon World Cup playoff fixture, the captain of the Super Eagles, William Troost-Ekong, has shared a positive update indicating that the players and staff will resume training ahead of the game.
The Super Eagles’ preparations for their decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon have been disrupted by a major off-field crisis in Morocco.
On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, the Nigerian national team boycotted training in protest over unpaid bonuses and poor welfare conditions, sparking concern among fans and officials just days before the crucial fixture.
The players and coaching staff refused to take part in a scheduled session in Rabat, insisting that their grievances with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) must be resolved before they return to training. Their protest centers on unpaid match bonuses and allowances, some of which reportedly date back to 2019. These payments include entitlements from previous tournaments and qualifiers, affecting both players and backroom staff.
The timing of the protest is particularly worrying, coming only two days before Nigeria’s must-win playoff against Gabon. The disruption threatens to derail their final preparations and could have a negative impact on morale and performance.
Beyond financial issues, players have also raised concerns about poor accommodation in Morocco. A viral video shared by Alex Iwobi appeared to show substandard living conditions, though the NFF defended the hotel as adequate and suggested that the situation was misrepresented.
Reports from within the camp indicate that the players’ frustrations go beyond unpaid wages. There are growing concerns about the long-term state of football management in Nigeria and the welfare of future national team players.
Fans and football stakeholders across the country have voiced anger over what they perceive as the continued mismanagement of funds and lack of transparency within the NFF. As the Super Eagles aim to secure their place in the next World Cup, all eyes will be on whether the team can overcome these distractions and deliver on the pitch.
