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Nigeria’s Super Eagles are reportedly on the brink of boycotting their next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) fixture over unpaid bonuses, sparking fresh concerns about player welfare and administrative lapses within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The development comes ahead of the team’s scheduled match against Algeria in Marrakech, Morocco.
According to multiple reports from journalists covering the team on ground in Morocco, the players have drawn a firm line over outstanding winning bonuses that are yet to be paid.
The situation reportedly escalated on Wednesday after the squad refused to take part in training sessions, insisting that their entitlements must be settled before they proceed with preparations or travel for the match.
Sports journalist Adepoju Tobi Samuel was among those who confirmed the standoff, revealing that the players are demanding payment of bonuses from several matches already played at the tournament.
BBC journalist Olúwashínà Okeleji also corroborated the reports, stating that both the players and members of the coaching crew are still waiting for their payments.
“Players and coaching staff of #Nigeria are waiting on #AFCON2025 bonus payments,” Okeleji wrote on X. He further disclosed that win bonuses from four previous matches against Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Mozambique remain unpaid.
According to him, while the team remains mentally focused on the tournament, they will not train or travel to Marrakech if the issue is not urgently resolved.
The situation has once again cast the spotlight on the recurring issue of unpaid bonuses and allowances in Nigerian football.
Despite the Super Eagles’ strong performances and commitment on the pitch, disputes over financial obligations continue to trail the team at major tournaments, often overshadowing their achievements.
SaharaReporters reported that efforts were made to reach the NFF for an official response, but calls and messages to the federation’s Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, were not returned as of the time of filing this report.
The silence from the football governing body has further fueled frustration among fans and observers who believe the matter should have been addressed promptly.
This is not the first time the Super Eagles have threatened industrial action over unpaid bonuses. In November, the team reportedly issued a similar threat ahead of a World Cup qualifier against Gabon, citing unresolved payment issues.
The recurring nature of such disputes has raised questions about administrative efficiency and accountability within the NFF.
Nigerian sports journalist Pooja, who is also in Morocco covering the tournament, confirmed the latest development, describing the situation as unfortunate.
“BREAKING NEWS: Super Eagles players & officials boycott training today in Morocco because of unresolved issues with outstanding payments. This is really sad,” she wrote on X.
As the AFCON tournament progresses, many Nigerians are hopeful that the NFF will swiftly intervene to resolve the matter and allow the players focus fully on their campaign.
With national pride and continental glory at stake, fans are urging all parties involved to put the interest of Nigerian football first and prevent another avoidable controversy.
#AFCON
#SuperEagles
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