The 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off match against Gabon has taken a further setback for Nigeria, whose players and coaching staff have refused to train on Tuesday over unpaid allowances and match bonuses.

Boycott by Super Eagles Ahead of Key World Cup Play-off

Nigeria’s World Cup Dreams in Jeopardy as Players Boycott Training Nigeria’s World Cup Dreams in Jeopardy as Players Boycott Training
JOHN THYS/AFP via Getty Images

With just two days to go before their must-win semi-final in Morocco, tension has erupted in the Nigeria camp. In protest over financial disputes with the country's football federation, the team's players, which include star players Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, refused to train.

According to the BBC, reports say the players are demanding outstanding allowances, match bonuses, and a special incentive for the ongoing African playoffs.

The boycott has put off Nigeria's preparations for Thursday's semi-final at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, which begins at 16:00 GMT.

Captain William Troost-Ekong Speaks on Behalf of the Squad

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong tweeted on X to express solidarity on the issue and express hope that the differences would be resolved very soon.

While the NFF has not issued a statement yet, sources close to the federation say consultations are ongoing in earnest to ensure the issue is sorted out ahead of the next training session.

Nigeria Struggles With Financial Mess

This chaos is nothing new for Nigerian football. The NFF has been chastised time after time over late payment and other financial management issues regarding their national men's and women's teams. The latest impasse reportedly includes unremitted allowances from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and the entire 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

The repeated delays in payment have angered the fans, who, along with other analysts, call on the federation to treat player welfare as a priority over Nigeria's quest for the World Cup.