Nigeria’s Super Eagles have reportedly refused to train and are threatening to boycott Thursday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon unless their long-standing financial entitlements are settled.

According to reports, the players’ allowances — which span several years — remain unpaid, sparking tension within the camp ahead of the crucial knockout fixture in Rabat, Morocco.

As of Wednesday morning, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has yet to issue an official statement addressing the matter.

Providing updates on X (formerly Twitter), Adepoji Tobi Samuel, Shooting Stars’ media officer, wrote:

“There’s no official statement from the NFF. The Super Eagles’ official media group has been quiet since yesterday. Before bedtime yesterday, the players vowed they won’t play until the NFF clears all backlog of debts.”

He further revealed that the National Sports Commission (NSC) had released funds to the NFF on Tuesday night, specifically for the World Cup qualifiers.

“The NSC told me that they have released further funds for the NFF and monies due for the qualifiers,” he added.

NFF President Ibrahim Gusau is expected to meet with the players this morning in a last-minute effort to resolve the impasse before kickoff.

Opinion: A Familiar Drama Nigeria Can No Longer Afford

For Nigerian football fans, this story feels like déjà vu — another pre-tournament crisis, another money dispute, and another reminder of how administrative lapses continue to undermine national pride.

The Super Eagles are one of Africa’s most decorated teams, yet their preparation for major competitions is too often overshadowed by financial wrangles. These recurring issues not only embarrass the nation on the international stage but also drain the players’ morale ahead of crucial fixtures.

To be fair, the players’ frustration is justified. Footballers who leave their clubs to represent their country deserve respect and timely compensation. However, the timing of this protest — just before a decisive World Cup playoff — raises concerns about professionalism and national commitment.

Still, the bigger failure lies with the NFF’s persistent mismanagement. It’s inexcusable that in 2025, a federation with access to FIFA funds and corporate sponsorships continues to struggle with basic financial accountability.

Nigeria can no longer afford this pattern of chaos. If the Super Eagles are to return to the world stage in 2026, both the players and administrators must rediscover what’s at stake — not just their pride, but the nation’s reputation and the dreams of millions of fans.