Super Eagles Captain Ekong clarifies players’ stand over unpaid bonuses
By Uzor Odigbo
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has explained why the team refused to train ahead of Thursday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon in Morocco.
He emphasized that Super Eagles players are only asking for bonuses they are rightfully owed.
In a statement on X, the defender dismissed claims that the players demanded a special bonus, insisting their stand is simply about receiving long-overdue match bonuses and allowances dating back to 2019.
“Once resolution is found, we will be the first to confirm. Any other statement or demand apart from the rightful request mentioned below is false,” Ekong said. “All we want and continue to do is focus on the big games ahead.”
According to team sources, the decision not to train was taken to draw attention to the unpaid entitlements, not to make new financial demands. The players believe settling these arrears will help restore trust and morale in the camp ahead of the crucial fixture.
It was also revealed that the idea of a special playoff bonus did not come from the players but was first raised by officials of the Nigeria Football Federation before the team’s arrival in Morocco.
The full squad of 24 players, including Victor Osimhen, Maduka Okoye, and Alhassan Yusuf, is now in Rabat as the team awaits a resolution to the payment issue before returning to full training.
Head coach Eric Chelle is also reportedly owed two months’ salary but has not commented publicly on the matter
