Nigeria’s preparation for its crucial World Cup qualifying decider against Gabon suffered a major setback on Tuesday as the Super Eagles boycotted their final training session in Morocco over unpaid bonuses and allowances.
The players’ protest comes less than 24 hours before the decisive encounter, sparking widespread public criticism and renewed debate about government neglect of national athletes.
Reacting to the development, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, condemned President Bola Tinubu’s administration for what he described as “shameful neglect” of the nation’s football heroes.
In a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi expressed disappointment that the players who consistently give their best in representing Nigeria were being owed their allowances despite the government’s lavish spending elsewhere.
“It is truly unfortunate that our Super Eagles who consistently give their best in representing our dear nation are being owed their allowances,” Obi wrote. “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.”
The former Anambra State governor stressed that neglecting those who serve the nation sends the wrong message to Nigerian youths.
“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 added.
As of press time, officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) were yet to issue an official statement on the players’ action, though sources close to the team said efforts were ongoing to resolve the impasse before the match.
The boycott has thrown Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes into uncertainty, with fans urging swift intervention to restore team morale ahead of the make-or-break fixture.
