By Nworisa Michael
Nigeria’s Super Eagles were at the centre of an off-field controversy ahead of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final match against Algeria, with players reportedly threatening to boycott training and travel over unpaid bonuses.
Reports from journalists on the ground in Morocco revealed that some squad members and officials were unhappy that they had not received win bonuses for Nigeria’s matches against Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda and Mozambique at the tournament. The situation escalated when players indicated they would not train or move to Marrakech for the quarter-final fixture unless the outstanding payments were resolved.
The dispute drew significant attention online and in sports media, with multiple sources reporting that the team had drawn a firm line on the delayed payments, threatening to remain in Fez rather than travel for the tie unless their entitlements were met.
In response, the Nigeria Football Federation clarified that the matter was already being addressed. The NFF confirmed that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had begun processing the approved bonuses, with funds earmarked to be sent directly to the players’ bank accounts. An NFF official also told reporters that documentation had been presented to the players as proof that the payments were underway, and that once processing is complete, the full entitlements would be credited to individuals.
This clarification helped calm tensions within the camp, allowing preparations to continue and avoiding a full boycott of the Algeria match. It also highlighted the NFF’s efforts to handle remuneration through a direct payment system in collaboration with the CBN, aiming to prevent further disputes over allowances.
The controversy is not an isolated incident. The Super Eagles previously raised similar concerns ahead of World Cup qualifying matches, prompting negotiations between the players and officials. The recurring nature of such disputes underscores ongoing challenges in the administration of team finances and player welfare.
As the Super Eagles focus back on competition, the NFF’s response demonstrates an attempt to balance organisational accountability with on-field commitments, while navigating complex player expectations and off-field pressures during a major continental tournament.