Super Eagles end boycott, face Gabon in a World Cup Playoff today

The Super Eagles of Nigeria ended their training boycott in Morocco on Wednesday and resumed preparations for today’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff semi-final against Gabon.
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‎The match, scheduled for 5:00 pm WAT at the Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, is a one-legged knockout tie that determines the next step on Nigeria’s journey to the World Cup, after they missed the last edition in Qatar.
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‎The resolution of the boycott, confirmed by Captain William Troost-Ekong, was attributed to the clearance of outstanding financial issues between the players and football authorities.
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‎The Super Eagles’ preparation was briefly disrupted by a players’ boycott over unpaid allowances a recurring issue in Nigerian football. Captain Troost-Ekong confirmed the situation was resolved on social media, assuring fans that the outstanding financials are cleared and the team is now united and focussed.
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‎The National Sports Commission (NSC) Director-General, Bukola Olapade, clarified that funds for the team have been remitted to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) since his appointment, noting that the NSC does not pay players directly.
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‎The Super Eagles entered the playoff with solid form, with an unbeaten streak in six of their last matches, including a 4-0 victory against the Benin Republic which secured their place in this mini-tournament for the four best group runners-up.
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‎Nigeria holds a historical advantage over Gabon (5 wins in 9 meetings) and a higher FIFA ranking (41st vs. 77th), but the single-leg knockout nature, held on neutral ground, gives Gabon a strong fighting chance.
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‎The winner faces a guaranteed tough continental final against either World Cup regular Cameroon or the resurgent DR Congo.