2026 WCQ Playoffs: Super Eagles Threaten Boycott Over Unpaid Allowances.
The Super Eagles, Nigeria's national football team, have vowed not to play against Gabon in Thursday's 2026 World Cup playoffs due to a dispute with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over unpaid allowances. The players refused to train on Tuesday, citing years of unpaid bonuses, and have demanded that the NFF clear all backlog of debts before stepping onto the pitch.
The NFF has yet to release an official statement, but the National Sports Commission (NSC) has stepped in, releasing additional funds to the NFF, including monies earmarked for the World Cup qualifiers. NFF President Ibrahim Gusau is expected to meet with the players to reach a compromise and prevent disruption to the playoffs.
The team's captain, William Troost-Ekong, emphasized that the fight is not just about unpaid allowances but also about accountability and respect for future generations of Nigerian footballers. The players are reportedly seeking clearance of all outstanding payments, including bonuses dating back several years.¹ ²
*Possible Outcomes:*
- *Match Postponement*: If the dispute is not resolved, the match against Gabon may be postponed, potentially jeopardizing Nigeria's chances in the World Cup qualifiers.
- *Compromise*: The NFF and players may reach a compromise, allowing the team to participate in the playoffs and potentially paving the way for future reforms.
The match against Gabon is scheduled to take place on November 13, 2025, at 5:00 PM Nigerian time in Rabat, Morocco.
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