Nigerian Super Eagles Protest Training Over Unpaid Bonuses
The Nigerian national football team, known as the Super Eagles, has taken a strong stance by refusing to train in Rabat, Morocco, on Tuesday. The decision came as a direct protest against the long-standing issue of unpaid bonuses that have been pending for nearly two years. The players have made it clear to their head coach, Eric Chelle, that they will not continue with training until the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) addresses the outstanding payments.
According to sources close to the team, the players informed the coaching staff that they would not proceed with any further training sessions until the NFF resolves the financial discrepancies. This move highlights the growing frustration among the squad, who feel that their contributions and efforts are not being adequately recognized or compensated.
The unpaid bonuses include allowances from both the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers and the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. These payments are crucial for the players, who rely on such compensation to support themselves and their families. The delay in receiving these funds has created significant financial strain on the athletes, prompting them to take this drastic step.
The team had their first training session in Rabat on Monday as part of their preparations for the 2026 World Cup playoffs. However, the second session, scheduled for Tuesday night, was canceled due to the protest. This disruption has raised concerns about the team’s readiness for the upcoming matches and the potential impact on their performance.
Currently, 23 players are in camp at the Rive Hotel in Rabat, waiting for further updates from team officials and the NFF. The situation remains tense as the players await resolution to their demands. The team is expected to face the Gabonese national team on Thursday, November 13th, in Rabat, Morocco. The winner of this match will go on to face the winner between Cameroon and DR Congo in the next stage of the playoffs.
This incident underscores the importance of proper financial management and communication within the Nigerian football system. The NFF must address these issues promptly to avoid further disruptions and to ensure the team can focus on their performance without unnecessary distractions.
Key points regarding the current situation:
- The Super Eagles refused to train in Rabat due to unpaid bonuses.
- Players have informed the coach that they will not train until the NFF clears the outstanding payments.
- The unpaid bonuses include allowances from the 2025 AFCON qualifiers and the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
- The team’s second training session was canceled as a result of the protest.
- Twenty-three players are currently in camp, awaiting updates from the NFF.
- The match against Gabon is scheduled for November 13th, with the winner advancing to the next round.