Nigeria Squad Reportedly Boycotts Training Ahead of Crucial World Cup Playoff
- Nigeria’s preparations for a crucial World Cup play-off hit an unexpected roadblock just days before the match
- Tensions have risen as unresolved issues threaten the Super Eagles’ focus ahead of a must-win fixture
- Social media has erupted, and team management scrambles as the team’s World Cup hopes hang in the balance
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Nigeria’s preparations for their World Cup qualifying play-off against Gabon have been thrown into turmoil as the Super Eagles players reportedly refused to train just two days before the high-stakes match.
The players halted all activities on November 11, 2025, over unresolved issues surrounding unpaid bonuses and are insisting on a resolution before they can resume training.
Source: Getty Images
The semi-final play-off against Gabon on November 13 represents a must-win fixture for Nigeria, which failed to secure automatic qualification during the group stage and now faces a do-or-die route to the 2026 World Cup.
According to an ESPN report, the situation has added to a series of disruptions within the camp.
Meanwhile, in an interview with TalkSPORT, Fulham’s Alex Iwobi sparked social media attention after sharing a video of the team’s hotel, which some interpreted as criticism of the facilities.
Iwobi clarified that his remarks were misunderstood, emphasising he was comfortable and focused on the upcoming fixture, dismissing any claims of ingratitude or complaints about accommodations.
Payment disputes threaten Nigeria's World Cup hopes
The players’ protest stems from long-standing financial grievances, including bonuses dating back to 2019 and payments owed following Nigeria’s qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite meetings between squad representatives and officials from the Nigerian Football Federation, no resolution has yet been reached, leaving preparations for the Gabon tie uncertain.
In a strong-worded formal statement, the squad confirmed the boycott, highlighting their demand for a swift settlement of the outstanding payments.
According to the squad's statement, the matter needs urgent attention, stressing that the team’s focus remains on resuming preparations for Thursday’s semi-final, contingent on a resolution from the federation.
Source: Getty Images
Nigerians react to Super Eagles training boycott
Meanwhile, social media has been awash with reactions from Nigerians, with the majority voicing frustration over the situation just 48 hours before a crucial World Cup qualifying clash.
''Like Mikel said, until we phase away politicians from the NFF and bring in people that want to do the job, it will continue to be a joke.'' - @yuteoflondon
''How wahala come be like Super Eagle allowance like this? Abeg, make we win this match and qualify first, and we can come back to these allowance things.'' - @PragmaticDB
''The NFF has continued to embarrass Nigeria, yet FIFA won’t lift a finger to hold them accountable. But the moment Nigeria decides to step in, they’ll start shouting "government interference." - @DesmondDeck
Libya blames Nigeria for AFCON exit
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that the Libyan national team held Nigeria responsible for their failure to secure a spot at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Mediterranean Knights, needing a win in their last AFCON qualifying match, were held to a stalemate by the Republic of Benin on home soil.
Source: YEN.com.gh
