Nigeria’s Super Eagles resumed training on Wednesday in Rabat, just a day after boycotting their session over unpaid bonuses and allowances, a move that briefly disrupted preparations for Thursday’s CAF World Cup playoff semi-final against Gabon.
The team’s standoff with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was resolved late Tuesday, allowing the squad to return to camp activities with renewed focus.
Team captain William Troost-Ekong confirmed the development on social media, assuring fans that the situation had been handled:
“Issue resolved. Outstanding promises cleared on ground. Team is united and focused as before on representing Nigeria with our maximum for the games ahead.”
Eguavoen Faults Timing of Strike
While acknowledging the players’ grievances, NFF Technical Director Augustine Eguavoen expressed concern about the timing of the protest, describing it as “not ideal.”
“The timing of the strike was wrong. They might have had their reasons, but the timing was not the best. Having said that, I have faith in them to rise up to the occasion and do the business on Thursday, and afterwards, on Sunday.”
Despite the team’s return to training, the customary pre-match press conference did not hold on Wednesday, with CAF offering no official explanation for the cancellation.
All Eyes on Thursday’s Playoff Showdown
Nigeria will face Gabon on Thursday at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, while Cameroon and DR Congo will meet later at the Al Barid Stadium in the second semi-final at 8 PM local time.
The winners of both matches will advance to the CAF World Cup playoff final, where a victory would secure a spot in the FIFA Intercontinental Playoffs for the 2026 World Cup.
