Super Eagles Face Gabon Amid Payment Controversy
The Nigerian national football team finds itself in turbulent waters ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff semifinal against Gabon today, November 13. The Super Eagles' preparations have been severely disrupted by a training boycott triggered by unpaid allowances, forcing head coach Eric Chelle to reconsider his starting lineup for the must-win encounter.
Training Boycott Disrupts Crucial Preparations
The past 48 hours have been particularly challenging for the Nigerian camp, with players taking a firm stand against the Nigeria Football Federation over financial grievances. The protest began on Tuesday, November 11, when players refused to train, highlighting unpaid bonuses dating back to 2019 according to BBC reports.
Team captain William Troost-Ekong publicly confirmed that players haven't received their bonuses for both the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and the ongoing World Cup qualification campaign. This claim was immediately dismissed by NFF president Ibrahim Gusau, creating further tension within the camp.
The situation reached a boiling point when former Arsenal star Alex Iwobi shared a video exposing the team's accommodation conditions at Rive Hotel, sparking widespread criticism from Nigerian fans directed at the football federation.
Chelle Forced to Adjust Tactical Plans
According to reliable sources including OwnGoal, Eric Chelle has been compelled to modify his strategy following the disrupted training schedule. The former Mali coach, who has remarkably transformed Nigeria's World Cup qualifying campaign, now faces additional pressure just hours before the crucial match in Rabat, Morocco.
Under Chelle's leadership, the Super Eagles have staged an impressive comeback in their World Cup qualification journey. After managing only three points from their first four matches under previous managers, Chelle has guided the team to four victories and two draws, accumulating 14 points in CAF qualification group C.
The team's recent 4-0 demolition of Benin Republic had provided hope for Nigerian fans desperate to see their team qualify for the World Cup after missing the previous tournament.
Potential Starting Lineup Changes
Initial reports suggested Chelle would largely maintain the squad that dominated Benin Republic, with the only enforced change being Bright Osayi-Samuel replacing suspended defender Semi Ajayi. However, the training boycott has complicated these plans, with fresh legs now likely to be introduced according to team insiders.
Nigerian football journalist Ayodeji Ismail has strongly advocated for consistency, urging Chelle to stick with the winning combination from the Benin Republic match. Speaking exclusively with Legit.ng, Ismail emphasized: "Eric Chelle must stick with the winning team against Gabon. The Panthers were one of the best teams during the qualifiers and we have to field the same players who played during our 4-0 victory against Benin Republic."
Ismail further explained that the players demonstrated exceptional fluidity and efficient ball movement in that match, qualities that will be essential against a Gabonese team chasing their first-ever World Cup appearance.
Unresolved Bonus Issues Threaten Match Participation
Despite Troost-Ekong's announcement that issues had been resolved and training resumed on Wednesday evening, November 12, concerns remain about whether the match will proceed as scheduled. Multiple reports indicate that players might refuse to honor the match if outstanding bonuses aren't settled before kickoff at Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium.
In a related development, the NFF has reportedly identified five players believed to have instigated the training boycott, though no disciplinary action has been taken against them yet.
As Nigeria stands on the brink of either World Cup qualification or another heartbreaking miss, all eyes will be on Rabat to see whether the Super Eagles can overcome both their opponents and internal challenges to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
