Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, has cleared the air on reports suggesting that the Nigerian national team is demanding a special bonus ahead of Thursday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff clash against Gabon.

In a statement shared on his X (Twitter) handle, Ekong explained that the players have not made any new financial demands, but are only asking for their long-overdue allowances and bonuses dating back to 2019.

“Once resolution is found we will be the first to confirm. Any other statement or claim, 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,”
Ekong stated.

Reports of a training boycott emerged earlier this week, sparking speculation about a possible rift between the players and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). However, sources close to the team revealed that the idea of a special playoff bonus actually came from the NFF before the team’s arrival in Morocco — not from the players.

The squad, which includes Victor Osimhen, Maduka Okoye, and Alhassan Yusuf, is said to be focused on the upcoming match while urging the authorities to resolve the long-standing debt issue affecting both current and former Super Eagles players.

Meanwhile, head coach Eric Chelle is reportedly owed two months’ salary, though he has yet to comment publicly on the situation.

With all 24 invited players now in camp in Rabat, fans hope the off-field distractions will be settled quickly so the team can focus fully on the crucial World Cup qualifier against Gabon.