World Cup 2026 qualifying Africa: Nigeria boycott training ahead of crucial play-off against Gabon
Nigeria players and technical staff boycotted training on Tuesday, just two days before their crucial 2026 Fifa World Cup play-off against Gabon in Morocco.
The protest relates to unpaid allowances and match bonuses, with reports that the squad are requesting a special bonus to be paid for this month’s African play-offs.
The team, including stars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, are demanding a resolution to the dispute with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The boycott has cast a shadow over preparations for their semi-final at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat on Thursday (16:00 GMT).
“Once resolution is found we will be the first to confirm,” Super Eagles centre-back and captain William Troost-Ekong said in a post on X., external
“All we want and continue to do is focus on the big games ahead.”
The NFF did not respond to requests from BBC Sport Africa for comment, but sources indicate urgent talks are ongoing.
