'We will be the first to confirm' - Super Eagles captain Troost-Ekong says bonus row still unresolved

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has confirmed that the team's ongoing bonus dispute with the Nigeria Football Federation remains unresolved ahead of a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff against Gabon.

On Tuesday, the players boycotted a scheduled training session, citing unpaid bonuses that have accumulated over several months. 

Manager Eric Chelle and his backroom staff are also owed salaries by the NFF, though the coaching team has stressed that they are not involved in the dispute.

The Super Eagles have vowed to stay away from training until all pending bonuses and allowances covering the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers are cleared. 

The National Sports Commission, led by Shehu Dikko, maintains that all outstanding payments have been processed, but the players insist no funds have been received.

This is not the first time the Super Eagles have faced bonus disagreements ahead of high-stakes matches, though some fans have questioned the timing of the current protest.

Sharing a post by football pundit Oluwashina Okeleji on X, Troost-Ekong added his comments: "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.”

The Super Eagles are scheduled to face Gabon in the semifinal of the playoffs on Thursday, with kickoff scheduled for 17:00 hours at Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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