By Joan Nezi | AWC Sports, Abuja
A fresh wave of controversy has hit Nigeria’s World Cup campaign preparations as the Super Eagles have reportedly boycotted training in protest over unpaid match bonuses and camp allowances, just days before their crucial World Cup playoff clash.
The standoff, which began late Wednesday evening at the team’s training camp in Abuja, has thrown the entire preparation schedule into disarray and raised serious concerns about morale within the squad.
Players Down Tools Over Broken Promises
Reliable sources in the camp confirmed to AWC Sports that the players refused to train on Thursday morning after several appeals to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to settle their outstanding entitlements went unanswered.
“The players have been patient for weeks,” a senior team member said anonymously. “We were promised our allowances before the start of the playoffs camp, but till now, nothing has been paid. The boys are angry — we can’t keep working under these conditions.”
According to reports, the unpaid allowances include bonuses from previous qualifiers, training camp stipends, and appearance fees from recent international friendlies.
NFF in Emergency Talks
In a swift response, officials of the NFF held a closed-door meeting on Thursday afternoon in Abuja, appealing to the players to return to training.
An NFF spokesperson, who preferred not to be named, told AWC News that “the situation is under control” and that the National Sports Commission (NSC) had been contacted to release funds urgently.
“We understand the players’ frustration,” the source said. “The NFF has assured us that the payment delay is purely administrative. The Federation is working round the clock to ensure the boys get their entitlements before the next training session.”
Fans and Analysts React
News of the boycott has sparked outrage among Nigerian fans and sports analysts, who say the crisis reflects poorly on the nation’s football administration — especially at such a critical moment.
“It’s embarrassing that this keeps happening before every major tournament,” said sports analyst Deji Ogunsanya. “How can players focus on representing the country when they’re fighting to get what they’re owed? It’s demoralizing and avoidable.”
Social media has since erupted with hashtags on this, with fans demanding accountability from both the NFF and the NSC.
Possible Impact on World Cup Playoffs
The Super Eagles are scheduled to face their fierce rivals in the World Cup qualifying playoff match next week, a game seen as crucial to Nigeria’s hopes of returning to the global stage after their absence from the 2022 tournament.
Football pundits warn that the ongoing pay dispute could affect team cohesion and focus ahead of the decisive fixtures.
“This kind of off-field distraction can be devastating,” said former international, Daniel Amokachi, in an interview with sports correspondents. “The boys need to be in high spirits, not worrying about allowances. If this is not resolved fast, it could impact performance on the pitch.”
A Familiar Story
This is not the first time the Super Eagles have clashed with football authorities over unpaid entitlements. Similar incidents were recorded during the 2013 Confederations Cup, the 2018 World Cup, and even the AFCON 2021, when players reportedly threatened to strike before a key match.
Observers have long accused the NFF of poor financial management and lack of transparency in disbursing players’ earnings, an allegation the Federation continues to deny.
What’s Next
As of Thursday night, sources hinted that the players might return to training if concrete assurances are given and at least part of the allowances are paid immediately.
“The boys are patriotic,” said the insider. “They just want to be treated fairly. If the money hits their accounts, training resumes — simple as that.”
Meanwhile, both the NFF President, and the National Sports Commission (NSC) boss, are expected to meet the players on Friday to resolve the impasse before it derails Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions.
Bottom Line:
With national pride and qualification hopes on the line, all eyes are now on the NFF and the NSC to end yet another payment saga threatening to tarnish Nigeria’s football reputation.
AWC Sports will continue to monitor developments as the drama unfolds in the Super Eagles camp.
