Super Eagles Stage Training Boycott Over Unpaid Allowances
The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, threw their crucial World Cup preparations into chaos by boycotting a training session on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. The protest was staged over unpaid match bonuses and allowances that players claim have been outstanding since 2019.
Panic Sets In Ahead of Must-Win Clash
The boycott sparked immediate panic among fans, supporters, and officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). With the must-win 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off against the Panthers of Gabon scheduled for Thursday, November 13 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, the disruption threatened to derail the team's final preparations.
Captain William Troost-Ekong led the player protest, with the squad refusing to train despite assurances from the National Sports Commission, led by Shehu Dikko, that all entitlements would be paid. Troost-Ekong later clarified that the players were only demanding bonuses already owed to them and were not making any new or special demands.
Gabon Adds Fuel to the Fire with Social Media Jab
As the Super Eagles battled with NFF officials, their opponents seized the opportunity to troll them. The Gabon national team, known as the Panthers, posted a picture of their evening training session on Instagram with the caption "Sunset Game". The Panthers are camped at the Ziaida Palace and Spa in Benslimane, preparing for the crucial encounter.
Gabon finished second in Group F of the CAF qualifying series with 25 points, just behind Ivory Coast who finished with 26 points. Their campaign included eight wins, one draw, and one loss, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scoring six goals. The Panthers drew Nigeria in the play-off based on FIFA rankings, as they are the least-ranked team in 77th place, thus facing Nigeria who are ranked 41st globally.
NFF President Denies Owing Players
In a swift reaction to the crisis, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau strongly denied the players' claims, insisting that the federation has no outstanding debts with the Super Eagles. Gusau clarified that the issue of bonuses was settled after last year's Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Central African country is aiming to qualify for their first-ever FIFA World Cup, while Nigeria is fighting to avoid missing out on consecutive tournaments. The high-stakes match will kick off at 8 pm Nigerian time on Thursday, November 13, 2025.
