Nigeria players refuse to train two days before World Cup qualifier

Martin Macdonald

Updated: 12 Nov 2025 05:37 CST
3 min read

Nigeria's preparations for this round of World Cup qualifiers has been tumultuous to say the least.

Article continues under the video

Despite boasting players like Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, who is considered one of the best strikers in the world, Nigeria were disappointing in the first stage of World Cup Qualifying as they finished second in their group behind South Africa.

They have qualified for a World Cup playoff after finishing as one of the best four runners-up.

This week they play Gabon in the playoff semi-final, but they reportedly refused to train yesterday in protest over missed bonus payments.

Players are still waiting to receive bonuses that date back to 2019 and also include payments for qualification for the AFCON.

A statement released by the full squad read:

"The full squad, including officials, withheld from training today in Morocco because of unresolved issues with outstanding payments. The Super Eagles are awaiting a quick resolution to continue their preparations for Thursday’s game against Gabon. Thank you. From the players.”

The final of the African World Cup playoffs takes place on Sunday, where Nigeria will play the winners of DR Congo versus Cameroon - should they defeat Gabon in the semi.

There was also confusion around the selection of Osimhen as he was initially not selected in the squad but was eventually made available.

Alex Iwobi shared the conditions outside his hotel room in Morocco ahead of Nigeria’s World Cup playoff match. pic.twitter.com/V80r3XIhEY
— ESPN Africa (@ESPNAfrica) November 10, 2025

Iwobi hits back after social media post

On Monday, Fulham's Iwobi put out a social media post highlighting the hotel that he and his Nigerian team-mates were staying at in their training camp.

Most followers, naturally, took the video as a complaint about the state of the hotel.

However, he has hit back at those suggestions.

He said: “You see in life it’s all about perspective. Because I snapped the view I have people thinking, ‘this guys ungrateful’ I never said one thing.

"I just did one look and never said one thing. In life some people don’t have yards, some people don’t have beds, I’m comfy. I'm playing Mario Kart. What the hell? Just let me go and focus. We've got a big game coming up."

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