Nigeria’s preparations for Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final against Algeria have been thrown into uncertainty after reports of a fresh dispute over unpaid bonuses, footynaija.com reports.
The Super Eagles have been one of the standout teams of AFCON 2025 in Morocco, winning all four of their matches and scoring freely on their way to the last eight.
Group-stage victories over Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda were followed by an emphatic round-of-16 win against Mozambique, reinforcing their status as genuine title contenders.
However, BBC journalist Oluwashina Okeleji reported that both players and backroom staff are still waiting to receive win bonuses for all four matches played so far. According to him, the squad remain focused on their campaign but are prepared to take action if the situation is not resolved quickly.
Players and coaching staff of #Nigeria are waiting on #AFCON2025 bonus payments.
— Olúwashínà Okeleji (@oluwashina) January 7, 2026
Win bonuses from four matches – vs Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda & Mozambique – have yet to be received.
Squad remain focus but will NOT train or travel to Marrakech on Thursday if this isn’t resolved. pic.twitter.com/sCuln7Fpzn
“Players and coaching staff of #Nigeria are waiting on #AFCON2025 bonus payments,” Okeleji wrote on X. “Win bonuses from four matches – vs Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda & Mozambique – have yet to be received.
“Squad remain focused but will NOT train or travel to Marrakech on Thursday if this isn’t resolved.”
Three-time #AFCON champions #Nigeria have a strange ability to self-sabotage.
— Olúwashínà Okeleji (@oluwashina) January 7, 2026
Officials made a promise to the players & coaching staff ahead of the #AFCON2025 tournament.
After going unbeaten to reach the quarterfinal vs #Algeria, the squad will NOT train or travel on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/RnzWDmiCNs
The team are currently based in Fez and are due to move to Marrakech ahead of the quarter-final against Algeria. A refusal to train or travel would significantly disrupt their final preparations for the tie.
The Nigeria Football Federation has faced similar disputes in the past. The players staged a training boycott before last year’s World Cup play-offs, while it also emerged before this tournament that head coach Eric Chelle was owed several months’ salary and bonuses.
For now, Nigeria’s on-field momentum remains strong. But with a crucial quarter-final looming, the authorities will be under pressure to act quickly to ensure a promising AFCON campaign is not derailed off the pitch.
