Super Eagles, NFF in Talks Over Unpaid Bonuses for Six Years Ahead of Gabon Clash

Negotiations between the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Super Eagles are reportedly close to a resolution after players and officials halted training in Rabat, Morocco, over unpaid earnings. The standoff emerged just days before Thursday’s critical 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon.

The stoppage was linked to pending payments going back as far as 2019, including rewards from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and the ongoing playoff campaign. Frustrated team members have criticized the federation for repeated delays in meeting financial commitments, prompting widespread public scrutiny.

Concerns about player welfare extend beyond the senior team. Reports indicate Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team received only ₦100,000 after their recent World Cup campaign, while the U-17 men’s team earned just ₦15,000 in additional bonuses, forcing players to cover some personal expenses. Analysts say these cases highlight ongoing challenges in the federation’s support of national squads.

Talks now center on a potential “special bonus” package, although previous proposals by the NFF failed to materialize. Players are reportedly seeking $30,000 per win, while the federation has offered a smaller base payment plus performance incentives. With the playoff match imminent, both sides face intense pressure to finalize an agreement and refocus on the pitch.