The Super Eagles returned to full training in Rabat on Wednesday evening after a brief boycott over unpaid bonuses and allowances, and Technical Director, Augustine Eguavoen, has expressed confidence that the squad will deliver when it matters most in their World Cup playoff, Footynaija.com reports.
The disruption began on Tuesday, when the players refused to train, citing outstanding payments as their reason. The protest briefly cast a shadow over Nigeria’s preparations, just days before one of the most important matches in recent memory.
By Wednesday evening, the standoff was resolved. Head coach Eric Chelle oversaw a full session, while captain William Troost-Ekong confirmed that the squad had agreed to put the dispute behind them and focus entirely on the task ahead.
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Speaking in a report by NFF, former Super Eagles coach and current Technical Director Augustine Eguavoen reflected on the situation.
“These boys that I know, that I have worked with, want to go to the FIFA World Cup. The aspiration of every professional footballer is to play at the World Cup and enhance their market value,” he said.
“The timing of the strike was wrong. They might have had their reasons but the timing was not the best.”
Eguavoen remained optimistic about the players’ performance despite the disruption.
“Having said that, I have faith in them to rise up to the occasion and do the business on Thursday, and afterwards, on Sunday,” he added.
Later today, Nigeria face Gabon in Rabat in the semi-final of the African playoff for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The winner will advance to face either Cameroon or DR Congo on Sunday for a spot in the intercontinental playoff.
