By Akinwale Kasali
The Super Eagles of Nigeria has refused to travel to Marrakech from Fes in Morocco, where they had played all their Group Matches and their Round of 16 Match following the failure of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, to pay the Players and Officials Winning allowances against Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda and Mozambique.
It was gathered that the players are adamant that unless the bonuses are paid in full they will not travel to Marrakech for their Saturday encounter against the Desert Foxes of Algeria.
It was gathered that while the team remained committed to the competition, they have said that the only condition they would train or travel to Marrakech for the next match is if the outstanding payments are resolved.
It would be recalled that in November 2025, the team also threatened to boycott their 2026 World Cup qualifier against the Panthers of Gabon, citing unpaid entitlements.
In a joint statement signed by all Super Eagles players, they said: “The full squad, including officials, withheld from training today in Morocco because of unresolved issues with outstanding payments.
“The Super Eagles are awaiting a quick resolution to continue preparations for Thursday’s game with Gabon”, that was the statement issued the last time they threatened to Boycott a World Cup Qualifiers.
Sports Journalist Olúwashínà Okeleji also revealed that the squad is awaiting payment for bonuses accrued from victories against Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Mozambique.
“Players and coaching staff of #Nigeria are waiting on #AFCON2025 bonus payments. Win bonuses from four matches – vs Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda & Mozambique – have yet to be received. Squad remain focus but will NOT train or travel to Marrakech on Thursday if this isn’t resolved,” Oluwaseun posted.
The NFF is yet to respond on this development, but Sports Fans and analysts are lampooning the NFF and the National Sports Commission, NSC, Chairman, Abdullahi Dikko, of failing to prioritize the welfare of the players despite hoisting the Nation’s Flag and making the nation proud with their performances so far.
Segun Ilesanmi, a Football enthusiasts urged the NFF to address the payment of the allowances and not destabilise the team..
“We need to keep the players in the right frame of mind as they battle Algeria in the Quarter Finals. This unpaid allowances shouldn’t be heard of”, he stated.
Another Football Analysts, Damilola Oluwaseun, said that it was a disgrace that such news to be heard of, that players are boycotting matches due to unpaid allowances.
“This is unheard of, why is it always Nigeria that is always in this God forsaken situation. A labourer deserves his wages, what patriotism do we want that this players have not given so far.
“They have all made us proud with their performance, consistency and determination. The NFF should do the needful, before it becomes a national disgrace and shame”, Oluwaseun stated.
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