To prevent a complete breakdown of law and order in the camp of the Super Eagles in Morocco, the National Sports Commission (NSC) intervened on Wednesday morning in the alleged protest by players unhappy over the NFF’s delay in settling their outstanding camp allowances and bonuses.
The Super Eagles will face Gabon tomorrow (Thursday) in the 2026 World Cup playoff in Rabat.
But disturbing news emerged from the team’s camp last night that the players were protesting over unpaid allowances, a crisis that could jeopardise Nigeria’s World Cup hopes.
A source close to the NSC told The Guardian on Wednesday morning that the Director General, Bukola Olopade, had personally intervened in the matter.
“The DG has waded into the matter, and as we speak, the players have shifted their ground,” the source said.
According to reports, the players were said to be demanding an increase in their match bonuses from $5,000 to $15,000, as well as an increase in their daily match allowances. The players are also said to have demanded that the federal government fulfil all promises made to the team after winning silver at the last African Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.
It will be recalled that at the France ’98 FIFA World Cup, the Super Eagles boycotted training while agitating for unpaid allowances. They were beaten badly by Denmark, 4-1, and were eliminated from the World Cup.
Stakeholders are worried that the Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF board allowed issues to degenerate to this level, and have called on the federal government to probe them over allegations of ‘too many financial misappropriations against the NFF.’
Meanwhile, members of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club and some stakeholders are expected to depart for Rabat, Morocco, at any moment from now to cheer the Super Eagles to victory in Thursday’s must-win game against Gabon.
If the Super Eagles win, they will face the winner of the match between Cameroon and DR Congo this weekend.
Meanwhile, former presidential candidate Peter Obi has lamented that it is truly unfortunate that the Super Eagles, who consistently give their best in representing our dear nation, are being owed their allowances.
“We always seem to find money to waste on needless lavish spending and political patronage, yet we cannot pay those who patriotically raise our flag, bring us pride, and serve with dedication. That is what is found in a “now disgraced country”.
“When those who serve their country are not treated with dignity, it sends the wrong message to our youth that hard work and service are not rewarded. Those who represent Nigeria deserve to be paid promptly and treated with respect.
We must do better,” he said.
