President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, has refuted reports suggesting that the Super Eagles are owed match bonuses dating back 30 games.
In an interview with Elegbete TV on Wednesday, Gusau explained that all outstanding payments had been settled and that fresh bonus agreements were already in place for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
“It’s not true that we have owed for 30 matches,” Gusau said. “Right after last year’s AFCON, we met with the team leaders and reached a new understanding. I made it clear that I didn’t want any financial distractions during the World Cup qualifiers. We agreed, and all dues were cleared.”
His remarks followed reports that the Super Eagles had skipped training in Rabat, Morocco, on Tuesday over unpaid bonuses ahead of their crucial playoff tie against Gabon. The protest led to the cancellation of one training session, but both parties eventually reached a resolution, allowing the team to resume preparations on Wednesday.
Gusau added that the NFF and the National Sports Commission had put in place a clear payment structure for the qualifiers, removing any potential for future disputes. “Now, each time they come into camp, they receive an appearance fee — which the National Sports Commission has been handling,” he said.
Team captain William Troost-Ekong also denied claims that players demanded $15,000 each per playoff match. “Once there’s an official resolution, we’ll be the first to confirm it. Any other reports are false. Our focus remains on the important games ahead,” the defender stated.
- Nigeria will face Gabon at 5 p.m. today at the Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan in Rabat. The winner will move on to face either DR Congo or Cameroon for a spot in the intercontinental playoffs, where two World Cup places will be up for grabs in Mexico.
