Super Eagles Captain Confirms Training Boycott Only Seeks Settlement Of Outstanding Bonuses And Player Allowances

 

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has addressed circulating reports suggesting that the national team is demanding special bonuses ahead of Thursday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon. The captain confirmed that the players have not made any new financial demands, emphasizing that their request solely relates to the settlement of outstanding allowances and bonuses owed to current and former players.

Troost-Ekong used his official social media platform, X, to clarify the situation. He explained that the issue at hand is the resolution of financial entitlements dating back to 2019. The players, he said, are not seeking additional payments or special incentives beyond what has already been earned through past performances.

"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," Troost-Ekong stated.

The clarification comes amid growing speculation in the media that the Super Eagles were planning to leverage upcoming World Cup qualifying fixtures for extra bonuses. Fans and pundits had expressed concern over a possible disruption to preparations, but Troost-Ekong’s statement seeks to assure stakeholders that the players’ commitment to the team remains unwavering.

Outstanding payments to players, including allowances from previous national team engagements, have been a recurring topic of discussion within Nigerian football circles. Many former players have publicly raised concerns about delayed payments, and current squad members have reiterated their expectation for these obligations to be fulfilled promptly. The captain’s statement reinforces that the ongoing dialogue is about honoring existing commitments rather than creating new financial demands.

Football analysts note that financial disputes of this nature, while common in many national teams, can affect player morale and readiness. By taking the step to publicly clarify the matter, Troost-Ekong aims to maintain team unity and ensure that media narratives do not overshadow the squad’s preparations for critical fixtures.

The Super Eagles are preparing to face Gabon in a decisive playoff, with both teams vying for qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Coach and players alike are focusing on tactical and physical readiness, with an emphasis on securing a favorable result. Troost-Ekong’s assurance that there are no additional financial demands provides a boost to supporters who have been concerned about potential distractions affecting the team’s performance.

Officials from the Nigerian Football Federation are yet to issue a formal response to the captain’s statement. Observers are keenly awaiting developments on the settlement of the outstanding allowances, which could set a precedent for how similar issues are handled in the future.

Troost-Ekong’s intervention reinforces the message that the Super Eagles’ priority remains on-field success and achieving qualification for the World Cup, while responsibly addressing long-standing financial obligations owed to players. The captain’s clear stance has been widely welcomed by fans, commentators, and former players who have long advocated for timely and fair compensation. 

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. https://t.co/093Naixfl3

— William Troost-Ekong (M.O.N) (@WTroostEkong) November 11, 2025