Nigeria’s Bold Move: Team Boycotts Training Before Pivotal World Cup 2026 Qualifier Against Gabon
Nigeria’s national football team is currently facing a significant setback as players and staff boycotted training on Tuesday. This decision comes just two days before their pivotal World Cup 2026 qualifier against Gabon, scheduled to take place in Morocco.
Nigeria’s Protest Over Unpaid Allowances
The protest stems from ongoing disputes regarding unpaid match bonuses and allowances. Reports indicate that the squad is seeking a special bonus specifically for the upcoming African play-offs.
Key Players Involved
- Victor Osimhen
- Ademola Lookman
These prominent players, among others, have joined the call for resolution with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to address their concerns.
Impact on World Cup 2026 Qualifiers
The training boycott has raised concerns about the team’s preparation for their crucial semi-final match at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
The match is set for Thursday at 16:00 GMT. Team captain William Troost-Ekong addressed the situation on social media platform X, stating, “Once resolution is found we will be the first to confirm. All we want and continue to do is focus on the big games ahead.”
NFF’s Response and Ongoing Talks
As of now, the NFF has not issued any comments regarding the players’ demands. However, insider sources report that urgent discussions are taking place to resolve these issues.
This dispute highlights the critical nature of athlete welfare in international sports and emphasizes the importance of timely compensation in maintaining team morale and focus ahead of significant competitions.
