Bonus dispute rocks Super Eagles camp ahead of Algeria clash

By James Ike

The Super Eagles have reportedly suspended training ahead of their quarterfinal showdown with Algeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco over unpaid bonuses.

Despite an impressive run at the tournament, the Nigerian players are yet to receive their win bonuses for all four matches played so far.

Nigeria have been the competition’s most convincing side, winning all their games and scoring a tournament-high 12 goals, a tally that equals the record set by the Super Eagles at the 2000 AFCON.

Once viewed as underdogs, the Eagles have grown into strong title contenders, but preparations for the crucial Algeria encounter have been disrupted by the latest financial dispute with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Reports indicate that both players and members of the technical crew are still owed their entitlements. As a result, the squad has reportedly embarked on a strike, refusing to train and declining to travel to Marrakech on Thursday as scheduled.

The players are said to be staying back in Fez until the issue is resolved, casting uncertainty over their build-up to Saturday’s quarterfinal.

The development is the latest in a series of payment-related controversies involving the NFF. Head coach Eric Chelle is also reportedly owed outstanding payments dating back to before the start of the tournament.

Notably, this is the second strike by the national team in just three months. In November 2025, the players staged a similar protest ahead of World Cup playoff matches against Gabon, though that dispute was settled within 24 hours.

The current impasse underscores the persistent tension between the players and the federation, with analysts warning that any delay in resolving the matter could further destabilize Nigeria’s AFCON campaign.

Past experiences suggest that swift financial settlements remain the most effective way to restore calm and refocus the team on their title ambitions.