Super Eagles reach belated NFF truce ahead of Gabon WCQ playoff

The Super Eagles resumed preparations in Rabat on Wednesday, a day after players and officials boycotted training over unpaid bonuses and allowances. 

The disruption had cast uncertainty over the squad’s readiness for Thursday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa play-off semi-final against Gabon, but fresh discussions with football authorities ensured the matter was quickly resolved. The team returned to full training, signalling unity and focus ahead of a crucial encounter that could determine Nigeria’s path to the intercontinental playoff.

Wednesday’s session, held at 5 p.m., brought all 24 invited players back to the pitch. Captain William Troost-Ekong, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, and Wilfred Ndidi were among those involved in drills and tactical work.

Troubled Super Eagles set for Gabon showdown

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle oversaw a session aimed at finalising attacking patterns, defensive shape, and set-piece routines ahead of the semi-final.

The return to training provides relief to the technical staff, who had been forced to adapt to uncertainty in the lead-up to one of the team’s most important fixtures in recent years.

Troost-Ekong confirmed the resolution to supporters on his official X handle, writing: “Issue resolved. We are together and, as before, focused on the games ahead.” His message offered reassurance not only to fans but to the squad, reaffirming their commitment to the task at hand after a tense 24 hours.

With the dispute behind them, the Super Eagles can now concentrate fully on the match against Gabon at the 22,000-capacity Moulay El Hassan Stadium. Chelle’s preparations will focus on exploiting Gabon’s defensive weaknesses while maintaining solidity at the back. 

In the other semi-final, Cameroon face the Democratic Republic of Congo at El-Barid Stadium, setting the stage for a high-stakes final on Sunday for a place in the intercontinental playoff.