There’s a sigh of relief in the Super Eagles’ camp as Nigeria’s national football team resumed training at 5 p.m. in Rabat, Morocco, following a tense standoff with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) that had threatened to derail preparations for Thursday’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon.
Earlier on Wednesday, reports emerged that players and coaches had boycotted the morning training session over unresolved issues related to unpaid bonuses and allowances. The impasse sparked fears of another administrative crisis just days before one of Nigeria’s most crucial fixtures in recent years.
However, after hours of behind-the-scenes negotiations, senior players, technical staff, and NFF officials reached a compromise, allowing the team to return to training in the evening.
An insider within the camp confirmed the breakthrough:
“They have agreed to train this evening. The players made their point clear, but they also understand the importance of the game. The focus now is on winning the ticket to the World Cup.”
Earlier in the day, tensions ran high as players reportedly refused to leave their hotel rooms for the scheduled session, sending shockwaves across the Nigerian football community. Many fans took to social media to express frustration, accusing both the NFF and players of unprofessional conduct at a critical moment.
Leadership from captain William Troost-Ekong, alongside Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi, proved crucial in calming the situation. The senior trio reportedly persuaded teammates to resume training, emphasizing unity and focus ahead of the Gabon clash.
While the immediate crisis has been defused, sources say discussions over the outstanding financial issues will continue after Thursday’s match.
For now, the Super Eagles have their sights set on delivering a strong performance to advance to the playoff final — and silence the off-field distractions that have too often overshadowed Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions.
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