Crisis behind the scenes — Nigeria threaten to boycott training before AFCON 2025 quarter-final vs Algeria

10.01.26 FT AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Algeria

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Nigeria

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Nigeria national football team have reportedly taken firm stance just days before their Africa Cup of Nations quarter final clash against Algeria national football team threatening to boycott training and delay travel unless outstanding bonuses are paid.

Multiple African & Nigerian outlets, report that players & coaching staff are still waiting for match bonuses from earlier games at the tournament.

According to respected journalist Oluwashina Okeleji, the Nigerian Football Federation NFF has yet to settle win bonuses for matches against Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda and Mozambique at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Morocco.

Players threaten to halt training & travel

Okeleji revealed that while the squad remains focused on the quarter final, players have unanimously agreed not to train or travel from Fes to Marrakech unless the issue is resolved.

“Players & coaching staff of Nigeria are waiting on AFCON 2025 bonus payments. Win bonuses from four matches have yet to be received,” Okeleji posted on X. “The squad remains focused but will NOT train or travel to Marrakech if this isn’t resolved.”

Nigeria are scheduled to face Algeria on Saturday in Marrakech with the winner progressing to semi finals.

Central bank processing payments – NFF source claims

However Nigerian journalist Tobi Adepoju reported that senior NFF official confirmed the situation is close to being resolved.

According to the official, the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN is currently processing the payments directly to players and officials individual bank accounts.

“The monies have been processed from CBN to individual banks. The players and officials will receive all their bonuses once the process is completed,” the NFF source reportedly said.

This episode marks the latest off field issue to affect Nigeria’s AFCON campaign. It comes just two month after similar training boycott during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in November 2025 also linked to unpaid allowances.

The situation follows on field disagreement between Victor Osimhen & Ademola Lookman during the round of 16 win over Mozambique , an incident the federation later confirmed had been resolved internally.

Read aslo: Why hosts fear Cameroon at AFCON? and why Morocco can’t ignore history!

Read aslo: Every meeting, penalty heartbreak and unforgettable nights — History never stays quiet when Egypt meet Cote d’Ivoire at AFCON

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations