World Cup
Super Eagles Boycott Training in Rabat Over Unpaid Bonuses, Ahead of Gabon Clash
The old, but familiar disruptive tendencies have again crept up as Nigeria’s World Cup play-off preparations have been hit by boycott of training.
It was in similar pattern that the Super Eagles eventually crashed out at the Round of 16 at the 2014 World Cup ahead of their duel with France.
A repetition has unfolded as the team on Tuesday had its programmes thrown into disarray as players and officials of the Super Eagles boycotted their scheduled training session in Rabat, Morocco, on Tuesday.
According to BBC Africa Sport journalist Oluwashina Okeleji, the players, coaches, and backroom staff refused to train in protest over unpaid allowances and bonuses owed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The protest reportedly involves payments outstanding from both World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches, with the arrears covering as many as 30 matches.
In a post on social media, Okeleji wrote:
“None of the Super Eagles players has received their allocated allowances or bonus for reaching the 2025 AFCON and 2026 World Cup playoff.
Nigeria players & staff boycott Tuesday training ahead of Thursday’s game vs Gabon.
Tired of empty promises.”
As of press time, 23 players were already in camp in Rabat, but training grounds remained deserted throughout the afternoon session.
Officials of the NFF have yet to comment on the development. Repeated calls to the Federation’s spokesperson, Ademola Olajire, and other team officials went unanswered.
The standoff comes just two days before Nigeria’s high-stakes playoff against Gabon — a match critical to the Super Eagles’ hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
This latest episode adds to a long history of bonus-related disputes between Nigerian footballers and the federation, often resurfacing during key international assignments.
Whether the issue will be resolved before Thursday’s fixture remains unclear, but the boycott has cast a shadow over the team’s focus and morale ahead of the decisive encounter in Rabat.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Uruguay will look to maintain their unbeaten FIFA World Cup record against African opposition when they take on tournament debutants Cabo Verde in a crucial Group H encounter on Sunday.
The two-time world champions face a Cabo Verde side brimming with confidence after the island nation earned a remarkable goalless draw against Spain in their previous outing, one of the biggest results in their football history.
Uruguay have never lost to an African team at the World Cup, recording three victories and two draws in five previous meetings. However, the South Americans know they cannot afford complacency against a Cabo Verde side that has already demonstrated its ability to frustrate established football powers.
For Cabo Verde, the match represents another opportunity to enhance their growing reputation on the global stage. The Blue Sharks impressed observers with their disciplined defensive display against Spain and will be eager to prove that result was no fluke.
Uruguay, meanwhile, will rely on their vast World Cup experience as they seek maximum points and a stronger foothold in the race for a place in the knockout rounds.
With confidence high in both camps, the clash promises to be a fascinating contest between one of football’s traditional giants and one of the tournament’s most inspiring newcomers.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Spain will attempt to strengthen their position in Group H when they face Saudi Arabia in a FIFA World Cup encounter that rekindles memories of their previous meeting two decades ago.
The two nations last met at the World Cup during the 2006 tournament in Germany, when a solitary goal from Juanito secured a 1-0 victory for Spain in Kaiserslautern.
La Roja enter the fixture determined to return to winning ways after being held to a surprise draw by tournament debutants Cabo Verde. The Spanish side will be keen to avoid another setback as the group stage enters a decisive phase.
Saudi Arabia, however, have ambitions of creating history. The Green Falcons are seeking their first World Cup victory against European opposition since their memorable 1-0 triumph over Belgium at the 1994 tournament in the United States.
A positive result would significantly boost Saudi Arabia’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stage while adding another notable chapter to their World Cup story.
With both teams aware of the importance of the fixture, Sunday’s encounter could prove pivotal in shaping the final Group H standings.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois stands on the brink of history as the Red Devils prepare to face Iran in a crucial Group G match at the FIFA World Cup.
The veteran shot-stopper could equal Belgium’s record of 17 World Cup appearances if selected, underlining his status as one of the country’s most enduring and influential players.
Belgium will be looking for a strong performance as they continue their quest for qualification from a competitive group, but they face an Iranian side buoyed by the form of defender-turned-goalscorer Ramin Rezaeian.
Rezaeian has emerged as one of Iran’s most surprising attacking weapons and is aiming to score in a fourth consecutive international match, a feat that would further enhance his growing reputation.
The clash pits Belgium’s experience and pedigree against Iran’s determination and resilience, with both teams fully aware that a positive result could prove decisive in the battle for a place in the knockout rounds.
As the stakes rise in Group G, individual milestones and team ambitions are set to collide in what promises to be an intriguing contest.
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