Former presidential candidate and Labour Party leader Peter Obi has condemned the Federal Government over its alleged failure to pay the Super Eagles’ outstanding bonuses and allowances ahead of their 2026 World Cup playoff.
In a strongly worded post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi described the situation as “truly unfortunate”, criticizing the government for neglecting the players while continuing what he called “lavish spending and political patronage.”
“We always seem to find money to waste on needless lavish spending and political patronage, yet we cannot pay those who patriotically raise our flag, bring us pride, and serve with dedication. That is what is found in a now disgraced country,” Obi wrote.
He lamented that the government’s inaction sends the wrong message to Nigerian youths — that patriotism and service to the nation are not rewarded.
“When those who serve their country are not treated with dignity, it sends the wrong message to our youth, that hard work and service are not rewarded. Those who represent Nigeria deserve to be paid promptly and treated with respect. We must do better,” he added.
Obi’s comments follow reports that Super Eagles players and officials boycotted training in Morocco ahead of Thursday’s crucial World Cup qualifier, protesting unpaid match bonuses and allowances.
The incident has sparked outrage among fans and stakeholders, who argue that the recurring issue of unpaid bonuses continues to dent Nigeria’s image in global football.
Background
The Super Eagles, currently preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, have reportedly faced repeated delays in payment despite earlier assurances from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Ministry of Sports.
This is not the first time Nigerian footballers have raised concerns about remuneration. Similar controversies marred preparations for the AFCON 2019 and World Cup 2018 tournaments, prompting calls for greater accountability in sports administration.
Public Reaction
Obi’s remarks have drawn mixed reactions online, with many
Nigerians echoing his concerns about misplaced priorities and government insensitivity to national athletes.
Sports analysts also warn that the ongoing dispute could affect player morale and performance ahead of the vital qualifying match.
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