The Super Eagles boycotted their scheduled training session in Rabat, Morocco, on Monday following a disagreement with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over bonus payments, a standoff that now threatens their preparations for Thursday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-off semi-final against Gabon.

Sources told our correspondent that NFF President Ibrahim Gusau was in Morocco to mediate discussions between players, technical staff, and federation officials. While the NFF reportedly agreed to settle the team’s daily allowances, the dispute centred on the amount of the winning bonus for the two-legged play-off.

According to team sources, the players are demanding $15,000 per match, amounting to $30,000 for the two fixtures, while the NFF has offered $10,000 per match. The squad reportedly insisted that until the issue is resolved, training will remain suspended, with the possibility of a boycott of Thursday’s tie against Gabon not ruled out.

A source familiar with the negotiations recalled that players previously received $5,000 per match before former NFF President Amaju Pinnick increased the amount to $10,000. However, recent internal discussions reportedly considered reducing it again, a move that has angered players.

“Eventually, the bonus was maintained at $10,000 per player per match. Now, the players want $15,000, arguing that countries like Cameroon, DR Congo, and Gabon have increased their own winning bonuses. They feel Nigeria should do the same,” the source said.

Reflecting the seriousness of the impasse, the squad issued a joint statement signed by team representatives and technical staff.

“The full squad, including officials, withheld from training today in Morocco due to unresolved issues regarding outstanding payments. The Super Eagles are awaiting a quick resolution to continue preparations for Thursday’s game against Gabon. Thank you. — From the players,” the statement read.

Reports from Rabat indicated that some NFF officials distanced themselves from the boycott, describing it as a “misunderstanding” that would be resolved before matchday.

As of press time, neither NFF President Ibrahim Gusau nor Chairman of the National Sports Commission Shehu Dikko had responded to inquiries on the matter. Efforts to reach NFF Communications Director Ademola Olajire and Super Eagles Media Officer Promise Efoghe were also unsuccessful, though Efoghe acknowledged receiving a message from our correspondent without replying.

Before the disruption, the Super Eagles had held a light training session earlier on Monday with 14 players, under the supervision of head coach Eric Chelle, who intensified tactical drills ahead of the crucial encounter.

By evening, 23 players had arrived at the team’s Rabat base, with Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye the only absentee. African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman, joined the camp later in the day, adding to the attacking options alongside Sevilla duo Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke, who sat out the session.

The Eagles’ camp officially opened on Sunday at the Rive Hotel, Rabat, where the technical crew welcomed early arrivals and set up logistics for the week’s preparations.

Nigeria will face Gabon on Thursday at the 22,000-capacity Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, while Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo clash in the other semi-final at El-Barid Stadium. Winners of both matches will meet in the final on November 16 to determine Africa’s representative at the inter-confederation play-offs for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.