AFCON 2025
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has explained that the team’s decision not to train was due to unpaid bonuses and allowances owed since 2019.
He dismissed reports that the players were demanding a special bonus ahead of Thursday’s World Cup playoff against Gabon, stressing that their only concern is receiving what they are rightfully owed.
“Once a resolution is found, we will be the first to confirm. Any other statement or demand apart from the rightful request is false,” Ekong said. “All we want and continue to do is focus on the big games ahead.”
Once resolution is found we will be the first to confirm.
Any other statement/claim or eSPECIALly demands other than the rightful request written about below is FALSE.
All we want and continue to do is focus on the big games ahead. https://t.co/093Naixfl3
— William Troost-Ekong (M.O.N) (@WTroostEkong) November 11, 2025
Team sources said the players’ action was to draw attention to the issue, not to make new demands. They are hopeful the matter will be resolved soon so they can return to full training in Rabat.
The full 24-man squad, including Victor Osimhen, Maduka Okoye, and Alhassan Yusuf, is now in camp awaiting payment clearance before resuming preparations.
Nigeria must defeat Gabon to advance to the final against either Gabon or DR Congo.
