The Super Eagles have threatened to boycott Thursday’s 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff against Gabon if long-standing financial arrears are not settled.
Players reportedly refused to train on Tuesday, protesting unpaid allowances spanning several years. As of Wednesday morning, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had yet to issue an official response.
According to Shooting Stars media officer Adepoju Tobi Samuel on X, the team remains firm in its stance:
“Before bedtime yesterday, the players vowed they won’t play until the NFF clears all backlog of debts.”
He added that the National Sports Commission (NSC) has been in contact with team leaders and confirmed releasing additional funds to the NFF late Tuesday, including monies earmarked for the World Cup qualifiers.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau is expected to meet with the players today in hopes of reaching a compromise and preventing disruption to the 2026 WCQ playoffs.
