The Super Eagles have returned to training in Morocco after boycotting Tuesday’s session ahead of their 2026 World Cup Qualifiers playoff against Gabon due to unpaid bonuses.
Reports from the team’s camp indicated that the dispute has been resolved following discussions between the players and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The squad is now set to resume full preparations for Thursday’s crucial clash with the Panthers.
The Super Eagles are currently facing significant challenges ahead of their CAF Play-Off match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Players and officials staged a boycott of training in Rabat, Morocco, due to unresolved unpaid bonuses that have accumulated over the past two years. The decision to refuse participation in practice came just two days before their important semifinal clash against Gabon, raising concerns about team morale and readiness.
Reports indicate that during yesterday’s scheduled evening training session, the players communicated their stance to coach Eric Chelle and his technical staff, demanding resolution of their financial issues.
Initially, the protest was thought to relate to payments from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and the ongoing 2026 World Cup campaign.
However, the National Sports Commission (NSC) clarified that these outstanding allowances had been settled. The dispute appears to now compete with a separate bonus agreement that has led to negotiations between the players and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
In response to the situation, the NSC and NFF have intervened to address the concerns raised by the players. There is optimism that an agreement can be reached before the game, enabling the team to resume training ahead of tomorrow’s decisive match against Gabon at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco,
Notably, all key players, including star striker Victor Osimhen, have arrived in Rabat, ensuring that the squad is at full strength for the upcoming match. The resolution of the financial disputes is crucial for the team, as they look to focus on their performance against Gabon.
Super Eagles in Rabat :Calvin Bassey; Alex Iwobi; Samuel Chukwueze ;Tolu Arokodare; Olakunle Olusegun; Wilfred Ndidi; Moses Simon; William Troost-Ekong; Benjamin Frederick; Chidozie Awaziem; Amas Obasogie; Stanley Nwabali ;Semi Ajayi; Ademola Lookman ;Akor Adams; Chidera Ejuke; Bright Osayi-Samuel; Raphael Onyedika; Frank Onyeka ;Zaidu Sanusi; Bruno Onyemaechi; Alhassan Yusuf; Victor Osimhen and Maduka Okoye
Former Nigeria International Julius Aghahowa has called on the Super Eagles to approach their upcoming World Cup playoff against Gabon with grit, focus and a warrior’s mind-set.
Nigeria will face the Panthers of Gabon tomorrow , November 13th , at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, as they seek to move closer to qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking ahead of the crucial encounter, Aghahowa, who starred for Shakhtar Donetsk and Wigan Athletic during his playing career, emphasized the importance of mental strength and leadership within the squad.
“We have the players, and they are doing well week in and week out in their clubs,” Aghahowa told Brila fm. “But when they come to the national team, something changes. The problem is not their ability it’s the mentality. Psychologically, they need to be handled with a strong mind-set, and we also need a coach with that same mentality to orient them properly.”
The former Super Eagles forward, who represented Nigeria at the 2002 World Cup, expressed concern over what he described as a recurring psychological weakness in the team’s approach to key games. He urged both the players and technical crew to show hunger and resilience.
“When you wear the Nigerian jersey, it’s not just football it’s a battle,” Aghahowa said. “You must give 120%. There should be a spirit that pushes you to fight for every ball, every moment. I don’t see that enough in the team, and it must change.”
Aghahowa also reflected on the factors that have put Nigeria in the playoff position, suggesting that poor administrative decisions contributed to the current challenge.
“It’s normal for ex-players to express frustration. Some decisions taken in the past led to this situation,” he added. “If those decisions had been different, maybe qualifying would have been smoother for us.”
Despite his concerns, the former international remains hopeful that Nigeria will rise to the occasion against Gabon and secure progress in Morocco.
“The next game is the most important one,” Aghahowa noted. “Everyone called up must bring their A-game, be fit, focused, and ready to sacrifice. The pressure is high, but I still believe we can qualify if we approach it with seriousness and the right mentality.”
Nigeria’s preparations for Thursday’s high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon hit a major snag on Tuesday as the Super Eagles squad and officials staged a boycott in Rabat over unsettled allowances and bonuses.
Sources confirmed that the entire team, including backroom staff, refused to take part in training, citing lingering financial grievances with football authorities.
In a joint statement by players and officials, the team said: “The full squad including officials withheld from training today in Morocco because of unresolved issues with outstanding payments. The Super Eagles are awaiting a quick resolution to continue preparations for Thursday’s game with Gabon.”
The protest comes just two days before the first semi-final of the World Cup Africa Playoff Tournament at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Rabat.
The outcome of the encounter could shape Nigeria’s route to the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Prior to the disruption, there were signs of renewed optimism in the camp following the arrival of Victor Osimhen on Tuesday.
The 2023 African Player of the Year joined 22 teammates in Morocco, energising head coach Eric Chelle’s squad. Training sessions had been sharp, focusing on tactical drills, pressing transitions, and set-piece routines.
However, the payment dispute has now cast a shadow over the team’s build-up. Players are reportedly unhappy about delayed bonuses and appearance fees from previous international engagements.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was yet to issue a formal statement on the matter, though discussions are believed to be ongoing to resolve the impasse swiftly.
The Super Eagles have 23 players in camp, including Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze, and Ademola Lookman, with goalkeeper Maduka Okoye still expected to arrive. The development adds to an already tense preparation period for the team.
Earlier this week, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) lodged a formal protest with FIFA over the appointment of South African and Beninese match officials for the Gabon clash, citing concerns about neutrality given both nations’ involvement in Nigeria’s previous qualifying group.
The Super Eagles are expected to resume training on Wednesday, pending a resolution of the financial dispute, as they seek to stay focused ahead of what is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most crucial fixtures in recent years.
If the standoff is resolved in time, head coach Eric Chelle will have his full squad of 24 players, including the much-anticipated arrival of Okoye, ready for Thursday’s must-win showdown in Rabat.
Ademola Lookman, the African Footballer of the Year, and first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali were among the 14 players who took part in the Super Eagles’ first training session in Rabat, Morocco, in preparation for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Play-Off against Gabon on Thursday.
The training session, conducted by head coach Eric Sekou Chelle and his technical team, also featured goalkeeper Amas Obasogie and Sevilla players Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke. The squad has been further strengthened with the arrival of Bright Osayi-Samuel and Raphael Onyedika, and it is anticipated that the team will have a full roster for training today, including star striker Victor Osimhen.
In a related update, Osimhen has confirmed that his focus has shifted entirely to the World Cup Play-offs after his recent disappointment with Galatasaray, where they suffered a 1-0 loss to Kocaelispor in the Turkish Super Lig on Sunday.
Despite the setback, he expressed his determination to concentrate on representing Nigeria.
“I have to travel. The game has happened, it has happened. I have moved on from that. Now I focus on my national team,” Osimhen stated.
His commitment and readiness are expected to be pivotal for the Super Eagles as they strive to advance to the final qualifying round of the World Cup.
Nigeria will face Gabon in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoffs on Thursday, with kick-off scheduled for 5 p.m. Nigerian time.
Super Eagles already in Rabat:
Calvin Bassey; Alex Iwobi; Samuel Chukwueze ;Tolu Arokodare; Olakunle Olusegun; Wilfred Ndidi; Moses Simon; William Troost-Ekong; Benjamin Frederick; Chidozie Awaziem; Amas Obasogie; Stanley Nwabali ;Semi Ajayi; Ademola Lookman ;Akor Adams; Chidera Ejuke; Bright Osayi-Samuel; Raphael Onyedika.
Sports infrastructure expert and Monimichelle Sports Construction Ltd CEO, Ebi Ezekiel Egbe, has called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s football pitch standards, stressing that poor turf quality continues to hinder the performance of the Super Eagles despite the team’s world-class talent.
Egbe, in a statement issued, urged football authorities and stakeholders to stop blaming the players for inconsistent performances and instead address what he described as the “ball behaviour problem” on Nigerian pitches.
“For the past decade, I have consistently advocated for a critical issue that continues to affect the Super Eagles’ performance the behaviour of the ball on our home pitches,” he said. “Our players are elite professionals trained in Europe, used to speed football, fast transitions, and precision passing but our 100% natural grass turfs slow the game down and disrupt their rhythm.”
The certified grounds man explained that while hybrid turf systems commonly used in Europe support faster and more consistent ball movement, Nigerian stadiums still rely on poorly maintained natural grass that impedes play.
“This technical imbalance is not about player quality,” Egbe noted. “It’s about infrastructure. Until Nigeria aligns its football pitches with international standards, our players will always face unnecessary disadvantages at home.”
Egbe pointed to CAF’s decision to host the upcoming World Cup playoff system at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Morocco as a model Nigeria should emulate. According to him, the stadium’s hybrid natural turf mirrors the conditions elite African players are accustomed to abroad, offering the right balance between speed, traction, and control.
“The choice of Morocco is not by chance,” he said. “The hybrid natural turf provides the ideal balance between speed, traction, and ball control all critical for player confidence, safety, and performance. Nigeria must learn from this model to remain competitive at CAF and FIFA levels.”
Egbe urged the Nigerian Football Federation and relevant stakeholders to invest in hybrid turf tec
The Super Eagles are gearing up for their crucial CAF World Cup Play-Off match against Gabon, with their camp in Rabat buzzing with activity as players and officials begin to arrive ahead of the highly anticipated match on Thursday.
Coach Eric Sékou Chelle and his technical team welcomed the squad to their hotel, Rive Hotel in Rabat , where they are preparing for the Four-Nation African Play-Off.
The early arrivals yesterday included players from Fulham—Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze—who were soon joined by Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare, Turkey-based defender Wilfred Ndidi and forward Olakunle Olusegun. The camp further energized with the late arrivals of Moses Simon and defensive players including team captain William Troost-Ekong as well as Benjamin Fredericks and Chidozie Awaziem who were the last two expected late last night.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has indicated that by today, most of the remaining invited players are expected to join the squad, allowing the Super Eagles to commence their training sessions in preparation for the semi-final clash against Gabon. Training will kick off this evening, followed by an official training at the match venue on Wednesday.
“ We are expecting a full house of the invited players by tomorrow (today) and training will begin Monday’s evening,” an official of the team told our correspondent last night
In the other semi-final match, Cameroon will face the Democratic Republic of Congo, with both winners vying for Africa’s single spot in the Intercontinental Playoffs in Mexico next year at the Complexe Sportif Prince Heritier Moulay Al Hassan on Sunday’s evening.
Super Eagles Already in Rabat: Calvin Bassey; Alex Iwobi; Samuel Chukwueze; Tolu Arokodare; Olakunle Olusegun; Wilfred Ndidi; Moses Simon; William Troost-Ekong; Benjamin Fredericks; Chidozie Awaziem
Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has unveiled a 24-man squad for Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff campaign.
The list includes team captain William Troost-Ekong, star striker Victor Osimhen, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, and defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel and Calvin Bassey.
Veteran midfielder Alex Iwobi, alongside Benjamin Fredericks, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze, and Ademola Lookman, were also named in the squad.
Chelle handed recalls to goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and Spain-based forward Chidera Ejuke, while Raphael Onyedika, Tolu Arokodare, Jerome Akor Adams, and Olakunle Olusegun also made the cut.
The players are expected to arrive in Morocco from their various clubs in Europe and beyond, converging in Rabat on Monday, November 10.
Nigeria will face Gabon in the first semi-final at the 22,000-capacity Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan in Rabat next Thursday.
Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy)
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia)
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has declared that leading Nigeria to a fourth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title is his top priority, describing his role as both an honour and a personal mission.
Chelle, who took charge in January 2025, has reignited the team’s form with four wins and two draws in six matches — collecting 14 of a possible 18 points in World Cup qualifiers.
In an interview with CAFOnline.com, Chelle expressed deep pride in managing the three-time African champions.
“It’s something huge — Nigeria is a massive team with incredible aura and heritage. Coaching this side is a source of immense pride,” he said.
Born to a French father and Malian mother, Chelle emphasized that his role transcends football:
“For me, this is about unity, respect, and values beyond sport. I may be French-Malian by birth, but now, I am fully Nigerian in spirit and commitment.”
Nigeria will face Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania in Group C of AFCON 2025, and Chelle insists there are “no small teams.”
“We’re going to Morocco to win. That’s the objective,” he stated confidently. “If we arrive in form after the playoffs, stopping us will be very difficult.”
Meanwhile, Chelle will reportedly lead part of the Super Eagles backroom staff to Morocco for the 2026 World Cup Playoffs.
The Super Eagles crew will fly out from Abuja Sunday morning.
The training camp in Rabat will open Sunday ahead of semifinal Playoff against Gabon on November 13, which has a kick-off time of 5pm.
The winners of this clash will battle with the winners of the other semifinal between DR Congo and Cameroon for the sole representation at the Intercontinental Playoffs in Mexico in March 2026.
Former Super Eagles midfielder Christian Obodo has called for unity and focus among Nigeria’s players ahead of their all-important 2026 FIFA World Cup CAF play-off clash against Gabon.
Speaking in an interview ahead of the encounter, Obodo who was part of Nigeria’s golden generation of midfielders in the early 2000s emphasized that teamwork and collective spirit will be key if the Super Eagles are to overcome their Central African opponents and secure qualification.
“What the team needs right now is unity and focus,” Obodo said. “Every player must come together and play as one family. If they stay united and committed, qualification will take care of itself.”
The 40-year-old represented Nigeria between 2003 and 2008 and made 21 international appearances with four goals for the Super Eagles. Known for his energy, ball control and vision, Obodo was a vital part of Nigeria’s midfield setup during the qualifiers for the 2006 FIFA World Cup and featured prominently at the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt, where Nigeria finished in third place.
Nigeria will face Gabon in the CAF World Cup play-off semi-final on Thursday, November 13, before potentially meeting the winner between Cameroon and DR Congo for a final ticket to the intercontinental playoff round.
Reflecting on the Super Eagles’ chances against Gabon, Obodo said he believes Nigeria has the talent to prevail but must display mental strength and unity.
“We have the quality to qualify but quality alone is not enough. The players must fight for each other, play for the badge, and remember what it means to wear the green and white,” he said. “If we play as a team, as a family, everything else will fall into place.”
Nicknamed “Bundle of Skills” during his playing days, Obodo spent much of his professional career in Italy, starring for Perugia, Fiorentina, and Udinese, before later playing for Lecce and Dinamo Minsk. His composure and intelligence in midfield made him one of Nigeria’s most technically gifted players of his era.