Tension has resurfaced in the Super Eagles camp in Morocco, with reports indicating that Nigeria’s players and technical staff boycotted a scheduled training session in protest over unpaid bonuses, disrupting preparations ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 quarter‑final clash with Algeria.
According to multiple sources, players refused to train due to long‑standing unsettled bonus payments and allowances owed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). The issue echoes a similar dispute last year, which also happened in Morocco, during Nigeria’s World Cup playoff campaign when the squad boycotted a training session over unpaid bonuses and allowances, some reportedly dating back several years.
The protest reportedly stemmed from frustrations over unpaid match bonuses and entitlements, including rewards for Nigeria’s victories and performance in the AFCON group and knockout stages. Source noted that some players had expected the NFF to fulfill its financial commitments before traveling to Marrakech for the upcoming quarter‑final match:
Players and technical crew were said to have jointly declined to take part in training and indicated they would suspend travel plans for the quarter‑final tie until outstanding payments are settled. The move has temporarily disrupted the Super Eagles’ preparations for the crucial encounter with Algeria.
This pattern of protest over financial entitlements is not new for Nigeria’s national team. In November 2025, the Super Eagles also boycotted training in Rabat ahead of a FIFA World Cup African playoff against Gabon, citing unpaid bonuses and allowances owed by the NFF. That dispute was eventually resolved after negotiations, allowing training to resume.
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