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Super Eagles Consider Training Boycott Amid Unsettled AFCON 2025 Bonus Payments
Nigeria’s national football squad, the Super Eagles, have reportedly threatened to halt training sessions and delay their scheduled trip to Marrakech ahead of their crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 quarter-final clash with Algeria. This stand is a direct response to the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) failure to clear outstanding prize money owed to the team from earlier stages of the tournament.
Unpaid Rewards Spark Discontent
Having advanced to the quarter-finals with an emphatic 4-0 triumph over Mozambique in the round of 16, the three-time AFCON champions are demanding the immediate release of all promised financial incentives. These bonuses encompass achievements from both the group matches and knockout rounds. Despite financial support from the Nigerian government, players and team officials have yet to receive any of the agreed-upon payments, fueling frustration within the camp.
Player Sentiments and Team Dynamics
Veteran sports correspondent Oluwashina Okeleji has revealed that the NFF has not yet distributed the prize money for Nigeria’s four matches played in Morocco. This delay has led to growing unrest among the players, with sources indicating that the squad may remain in Fez and refuse to train unless their financial grievances are addressed without further delay.
Potential Impact on Quarter-Final Preparations
The Super Eagles are expected to relocate to Marrakech on Thursday to gear up for their Saturday quarter-final encounter. However, the looming threat of a training boycott could disrupt their preparation schedule and adversely affect their performance against Algeria. This scenario mirrors past incidents in African football where delayed payments have triggered player protests and even postponed fixtures.
Wider Implications for African Football
Financial disagreements between football federations and players are a recurring issue across African football. For example, during the 2022 AFCON tournament, several national teams experienced similar payment delays, which negatively impacted team morale and focus. Timely remuneration is vital not only for player motivation but also for preserving the competitive integrity of the tournament.
As Nigeria’s Super Eagles prepare for one of their most significant matches in recent memory, resolving this payment dispute swiftly is critical to prevent any disruption that could undermine their pursuit of a fourth AFCON championship.
