Super Eagles Captain Sets Record Straight On Team Protest, Denies Bonus Demands

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has clarified that the national team’s recent protest in Morocco was not about demanding additional bonuses, but rather a stand against unpaid allowances and bonuses owed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

In a post on his official account on Tuesday, Troost-Ekong dismissed reports suggesting that players were requesting extra payments ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoffs. He emphasized, “Once resolution is found we will be the first to confirm. Any other statement or claim, especially demands other than the rightful request mentioned, is FALSE. All we want is to focus on the big games ahead.”

The statement came in the wake of media reports claiming that the Super Eagles had boycotted training over bonus demands. The clarification follows a standoff in Rabat, Morocco, where players and officials skipped their Tuesday evening training session in protest of unpaid allowances.

Reports indicate that the team has not yet received payments for qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2026 World Cup playoffs.

Nigeria is set to face Gabon in the semi-final of the African playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday. The winner of the match will advance to the final to face either DR Congo or Cameroon for a chance to secure Africa’s sole intercontinental playoff slot.