NFF Technical Director Questions Players' Timing Amid Bonus Dispute
Augustine Eguavoen, the Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation, has expressed serious concerns about the timing of the strike action undertaken by the Super Eagles players this week. The football official acknowledged the players' grievances but emphasized that their decision to boycott training came at an inappropriate moment given the team's crucial World Cup qualifying matches.
Bonus Dispute Leads to Training Boycott
The Nigerian national team players initially refused to train on Tuesday in protest over unpaid bonuses and allowances that had accumulated. The strike action occurred at a critical juncture as the team prepares for their World Cup qualifying playoff semi-final against Gabon.
Following negotiations between player representatives and football authorities, the dispute was successfully resolved, allowing the team to resume training at the Institut Royal de Formation Des Cadres in Salé, outside Rabat, on Wednesday night. The resolution came just in time for the crucial match scheduled for Thursday.
Eguavoen's Mixed Reaction and World Cup Confidence
While criticizing the timing of the industrial action, Eguavoen maintained strong faith in the team's ability to overcome the distraction and perform when it matters most. "The timing of the strike was wrong. They might have had their reasons but the timing was not the best," Eguavoen stated in an interview with nff.com.
The former Super Eagles coach added, "Having said that, I have faith in them to rise up to the occasion and do the business on Thursday, and afterwards, on Sunday." Eguavoen highlighted the players' personal motivations, noting that every professional footballer dreams of playing at the World Cup to enhance their market value.
The Super Eagles are set to face the Panthers of Gabon in the semi-final of the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoffs in Rabat today, Thursday, with kick-off scheduled for 5 PM Nigeria time. The match represents a critical step toward World Cup qualification, with the winners advancing to the next stage of the playoffs.
