'Timing of strike was wrong' - NFF technical director Eguavoen reacts to Super Eagles' bonus row

The Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Augustine Eguavoen, has weighed in on the recent bonus dispute between the Super Eagles and the Federation, describing the timing of the players' protest as inappropriate.

The Super Eagles had boycotted training on Tuesday evening in Rabat, Morocco, demanding payment of their outstanding bonuses and allowances ahead of Thursday’s crucial World Cup playoff clash against Gabon.

The standoff reportedly caused tension across the football community, prompting urgent intervention from the NFF and the National Sports Commission (NSC). 

After several hours of negotiation, both parties reached a resolution.

Team captain William Troost-Ekong later confirmed the development in a post on X, revealing that the players had received their long-awaited payments. 

Training subsequently resumed on Wednesday evening, easing concerns but leaving questions about the team’s readiness for the decisive encounter.

Speaking on the matter, Eguavoen, a former Super Eagles captain and coach, acknowledged the players’ right to demand their dues but criticized the timing of the protest, emphasizing its potential impact on the team’s preparation.

"These boys that I know, that I have worked with, want to go to the FIFA World Cup," Eguavoen told NFF media.

"The aspiration of every professional footballer is to play at the World Cup and enhance their market value.

"The timing of the strike was wrong. They might have had their reasons but the timing was not the best. Having said that, I have faith in them to rise up to the occasion and do the business on Thursday, and afterwards, on Sunday."

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has voiced confidence in the Super Eagles’ capacity to move past their recent payment dispute and claim victory in the World Cup qualifying playoff against Gabon.

Gusau reiterated his faith in the team’s quality and determination, noting that the players have the talent and depth required to make the nation proud and successfully clinch qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Super Eagles will face the Panthers of Gabon on Thursday evening in Rabat, with hopes of sealing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Adeyemi Adewale

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