THE Super Eagles of Nigeria have finally received all outstanding bonuses and allowances owed to them by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), ending days of tension and uncertainty ahead of Thursday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoff semi-final clash against Gabon in Rabat, Morocco.
News Point Nigeria Sports reports that team captain William Troost-Ekong confirmed the development on Wednesday via his verified X handle, announcing that the long-running financial dispute had been resolved and that the team’s full attention was now on securing qualification for the next round.
“Issue RESOLVED. Outstanding financials cleared and on ground. Team is UNITED and focused as before on representing NIGERIA with our maximum for the games ahead!” Ekong wrote.
His announcement comes less than 48 hours after the squad boycotted training on Tuesday in protest of unpaid bonuses and allowances dating back to 2019. The standoff, which briefly threatened Nigeria’s preparations for the high-stakes match, drew widespread public concern before NFF officials reportedly intervened to settle the arrears.
The captain also dismissed media reports alleging that the players had demanded a “special bonus” for the playoff, describing such claims as false and misleading.
“Any other statement or especially demands other than the rightful request written about below is false,” Ekong clarified. “All we want and continue to do is focus on the big games ahead.”
He emphasized that the players’ only demand was the payment of their legitimate entitlements nothing more.
Following the resolution, all 24 invited players, including Victor Osimhen, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, and Wilfred Ndidi, are now fully in camp in Rabat. Head coach Eric Chelle, who is reportedly owed two months’ salary, has maintained his composure and continued preparations with the team.
Training resumed late Wednesday evening at the Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay Al Hassan, the 22,000-capacity venue set to host Thursday’s match. Kickoff is scheduled for 4pm local time.
The Nigeria–Gabon clash marks the 10th meeting between the two nations. The Super Eagles have won five of the previous nine encounters, while three ended in draws. Gabon’s only win, a 2–1 shocker in June 1989 remains infamous among Nigerian fans, as it derailed the team’s hopes of reaching the Italia ’90 World Cup.
This time, the stakes are even higher. A victory in Rabat will send Nigeria into Sunday’s playoff final, where they will face either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo for a spot in the intercontinental playoffs, the last hurdle before the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The game also pits two of Africa’s most celebrated forwards, Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Gabon’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang against each other in what promises to be a thrilling duel of experience, speed, and finishing power.
For Nigeria, the focus will be on restoring confidence after missing the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. For Gabon, it’s a chance to make history and reach their first-ever global finals.
As the dust settles on the bonus saga, the Super Eagles will now look to let their football do the talking — and prove that unity and focus, not controversy, define Nigeria’s path to the World Cup.
