In a shocking turn of events, the Super Eagles of Nigeria have reportedly threatened to boycott their match against Algeria, throwing their impressive African Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign into jeopardy.
Reports emerging from the camp on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, revealed that bonuses have sparked a protest, with players reportedly threatening to boycott the upcoming knockout match against Algeria.
The squad, currently based in Morocco, has reportedly refused to participate in scheduled training sessions and is threatening to skip the trip to Marrakech.
Sources within the team reveal that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has failed to settle win bonuses for four consecutive matches, including group-stage victories against Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda, as well as the Round of 16 triumph over Mozambique.
Despite the team’s impressive run on the pitch, the atmosphere behind the scenes has been said to have turned toxic over the unpaid bonuses.
It was gathered that the unpaid bonuses include not only match-winning incentives but also goal-scoring rewards promised by the federation.
Players are reportedly “tired of empty promises,” pointing to a history of delayed payments that dates back to previous qualifying campaigns.
”The squad remains focused on the trophy, but we will not train or travel to Marrakech if this isn’t resolved,” stated a representative for the players. “We have fulfilled our part of the bargain; it is time for the NFF to fulfill theirs.”
Meanwhile, the NFF is yet to react to the reports of threats to boycott the match against Algeria as of press time.
With the quarter-final clash against the Desert Foxes of Algeria scheduled for Saturday, the NFF is under immense pressure to find a swift resolution.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that this is not the first time the issue of Super Eagles’ unpaid bonuses has overshadowed a major tournament.
Similar threats occurred during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in late 2025.
In November 2025, the Super Eagles boycotted training ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off against Gabon and DR Congo over unpaid allowances and bonuses.
The entire squad and technical staff refused to participate in a training session in Rabat, Morocco.
The squad, along with officials, withheld their participation in protest, citing outstanding allowances dating back to 2019 for achievements including reaching the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and qualifying for the World Cup play-offs.
However, the bonuses were paid after the row. The Super Eagles went on to beat Gabon but ultimately failed to defeat DR Congo, ending the World Cup dream.
