Nigeria’s Super Eagles have officially arrived in Marrakech for their highly anticipated AFCON 2025 quarterfinal. This arrival follows a tense period where a Super Eagles bonus dispute threatened to derail the team’s campaign.
The squad will face Algeria this Saturday in a high-stakes clash. Fortunately, internal tensions have subsided, and the players are now focusing entirely on the pitch.
Boycott Threats and Unpaid Bonuses
The crisis began when the players raised concerns over unpaid winning bonuses from their last four matches. Because the payments had been delayed, several senior players reportedly threatened to boycott training sessions in Morocco.
This standoff created significant anxiety among Nigerian football fans. However, vice-captain Wilfred Ndidi stepped up to show immense leadership. In a surprising move, Ndidi vowed to cover the outstanding payments personally if the authorities failed to act.
NFF and Government Step In
Following the threat of a boycott, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and government officials acted quickly to resolve the Super Eagles bonus dispute. They assured the squad that bank transfers for the outstanding bonuses would begin immediately.
Furthermore, officials confirmed that all camp allowances have already been cleared. This financial commitment has helped restore peace within the camp. Consequently, the players agreed to travel to Marrakech to continue their pursuit of the continental trophy.
Focus Shifts to Algeria and the Semi-Finals
With the financial distractions settled, the Super Eagles are back to work. Star striker Victor Osimhen was seen participating fully in the latest training sessions. This is a massive boost for Nigeria, as they are currently the top-scoring team in the tournament.