The Super Eagles’ preparations for Thursday’s crucial CAF World Cup playoff against Gabon have been thrown into turmoil following a player standoff with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over unpaid bonuses and allowances totaling an estimated $6 million.
Osimhen Joins Camp, Training Halted
Nigeria’s star striker Victor Osimhen arrived in camp on Tuesday, bringing the number of players in Rabat, Morocco, to 23, with Maduka Okoye the only absentee.
However, the team’s scheduled training session was suspended as players protested the long-standing financial dispute with the federation.
Unpaid Allowances Dating Back to 2019
Reports indicate that the unpaid bonuses and allowances stretch back to 2019, covering various international fixtures and tournaments.
According to Brila.net, funds intended for players’ payments were released by the Federal Government but allegedly never disbursed to the squad by the NFF.
Further investigations suggest that over the past decade, the NFF has received more than $50 million (₦70 billion) in various grants and revenue sources, with little transparency on how the funds were utilized.
Failed Negotiations Between Players and NFF
Inside sources revealed that the NFF presented an initial offer to resolve the issue, which the players rejected, submitting a counterproposal of their own.
Team officials have refused to publicly address the situation, labeling it “an internal matter” between the players and the federation.
The dispute has, however, reignited public debate about poor financial management and welfare neglect in Nigerian football administration.
Limited Preparation Time
The Super Eagles have now completed just one full training session since opening camp, with hopes that training will resume on Wednesday if the impasse is resolved.
This disruption comes at a crucial time, with the CAF World Cup playoff semi-final against Gabon looming on Thursday.
Other Nations Press On
While Nigeria grapples with off-field turmoil, other nations have continued their preparations smoothly.
DR Congo’s football federation, for instance, has reportedly promised each player a $1 million bonus ahead of their own playoff fixture, according to ActuFoot.
What’s at Stake
Nigeria must defeat Gabon to progress to the final round of the CAF playoffs, where they could face either Cameroon or DR Congo.
The eventual winner will advance to the FIFA Intercontinental Playoffs, where a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be on the line.
