Crisis Averted: Super Eagles Resume Training After NSC Settles Bonus Dispute In Morocco

Crisis Averted: Super Eagles Resume Training After NSC Settles Bonus Dispute In Morocco 

By Niyi Busari 

The Super Eagles have returned to training in Rabat, Morocco, after temporarily suspending activities over unpaid bonuses and allowances. The dispute, which threatened to disrupt Nigeria’s preparations for Thursday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup African Qualifier play-off against Gabon, has been resolved following the intervention of the National Sports Commission (NSC), BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Team captain William Troost-Ekong confirmed the development late Tuesday via his official X handle, assuring fans that harmony had been restored within the squad.

“Issue RESOLVED. We are together and as before focused on the games ahead! 🇳🇬 @NGSuperEagles,” Troost-Ekong wrote.

The players had boycotted training sessions on Monday and Tuesday to protest what they described as repeated unfulfilled promises from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over unpaid match bonuses, camp allowances, and appearance fees spanning several international windows.

A Recurring Dispute

The issue of unpaid entitlements has long plagued the national team. During the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon, players reportedly waited months before receiving their allowances. Similar delays were recorded during the 2023 and 2025 AFCON qualifying campaigns, with some match bonuses from friendly games still outstanding.

In March 2024, senior players privately expressed frustration over what they termed a “culture of neglect” in player welfare, despite consistently achieving competitive targets. The latest protest came less than 48 hours before the semi-final clash with Gabon, a fixture pivotal to Nigeria’s quest for a place at the 2026 World Cup.

NSC Steps In

According to official sources, an NSC delegation led by senior officials arrived in Rabat on Tuesday afternoon to resolve the standoff. The commission reportedly made direct payments to players and transferred the administrative balance to the NFF.

An NSC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that ₦1 billion had been approved to cover the team’s outstanding entitlements and logistics for the play-off campaign. 

“An approval of ₦1 billion was given to the NFF for the playoffs, but the funds only reached the team and the federation today,” the source explained.

“The NSC and NFF have met with the players, and everyone is now focused on the match. Missing one training session will not affect their performance. These boys are determined to qualify for the World Cup.”

NFF and NSC Reconcile with Squad

Investigations revealed that the players’ protest stemmed from uncertainty about the timeline for payment of outstanding AFCON and World Cup qualifying bonuses. With no clear communication forthcoming, they opted to down tools in protest.

It was gathered that the NFF and team leadership had earlier reached an agreement witnessed by former Sports Minister John Enoh, to clear debts owed since 2019. The federation had requested an additional ₦5 billion last year to supplement the ₦12 billion released by the federal government for the 2023 AFCON, a move that helped settle arrears owed to players, hotels, and airlines.

Focus Returns to the Pitch

Following Tuesday’s resolution, the atmosphere in camp has reportedly improved, with the team resuming full training under head coach Eric Chelle, who remains unbeaten in four matches since taking charge.

Chelle’s men will now focus entirely on Thursday’s tie against Gabon in Rabat a match that could determine Nigeria’s path to the final round of World Cup qualifiers, where they are expected to face either DR Congo or Cameroon.

Meanwhile, a joint delegation from the NSC, NFF, and the National Assembly Committees on Sports has arrived in Morocco to support the team and oversee logistical arrangements for the crucial fixture.