Football
NIGERIA WORLD CUP HOPES HIT AS SUPER EAGLES BOYCOTT TRAINING OVER BONUS DISPUTE
The Super Eagles of Nigeria refused to train in Rabat on Monday as a dispute over bonus payments with the Nigeria Football Federation threatens their preparations ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-off semi-final against Gabon.
The NFF President was in Morocco and discussions between the players, technical staff, and officials were held. The disagreement was not over the players’ daily allowances, which the NFF had promised to pay, but the amount of the winning bonus for the play-off ties.
According to sources, the players requested $15,000 for each match, totalling $30,000, but the NFF offered $10,000 per match. They insisted that until a resolution was reached, training would remain suspended, and a boycott of the Gabon tie was a possibility. A source explained the history of the bonus dispute, noting that players previously received $5,000 per match and when Amaju Pinnick assumed office, he doubled the amount to $10,000. Even so, some officials argued for a reduction back to $5,000, creating controversy.
“Eventually, the amount was kept at $10,000 per player per match. Now all the players are requesting $15,000 per match. They argue that other countries, such as Cameroon, DR Congo, and Gabon, have increased their own winning bonuses, so they want Nigeria to follow suit. That is where we are currently,” the source said.
Reflecting the seriousness of the dispute, the players and technical staff released a statement reportedly signed by the squad, emphasising their refusal to train until the bonus issue is resolved. “The full squad, including officials, withheld from training today in Morocco because of the unresolved issues with outstanding payments. The Super Eagles is awaiting a quick resolution to continue the preparation for Thursday’s game with Gabon. Thank you. From the players,” the statement read.
Reports from Morocco also said the team’s officials distanced themselves from the standoff. NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, were yet to respond to inquiries into the matter, as of the time of filing this report.
Except Udinese goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, 23 players were already in camp when the bonus row escalated. The Nigeria Football Federation Communications Director Ademola Olajire and Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe were also contacted for comment. The latter acknowledged receipt of the message but had not responded at the time of filing this report.
Nigeria is scheduled to face Gabon on Thursday at the 22,000-capacity Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat. Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo will contest the other semi-final, with the winners meeting in the final on November 16 to determine who advances to the inter-confederation play-offs for a spot at the 2026 World Cup in North America.
FC Barcelona secured a hard-fought victory over Rayo Vallecano, thanks to a decisive header from Ronald Araujo and a standout goalkeeping performance by Inaki Pena Garcia.
In a tightly contested La Liga clash, Barcelona struggled to break down a resilient Rayo side that maintained defensive discipline throughout much of the game. Despite dominating possession, the Catalan giants found clear-cut chances hard to come by in the early stages.
The breakthrough eventually came in the second half when Araujo rose highest to meet a well-delivered set-piece, powering a header past the Rayo goalkeeper to give Barcelona the lead. The goal proved decisive in a match where margins were slim.
Rayo Vallecano responded with increased attacking intent, pressing forward in search of an equalizer. However, Barcelona’s goalkeeper Garcia emerged as a key figure, producing a series of crucial saves to deny the visitors. His composure and reflexes under pressure ensured that Barcelona held on to their narrow advantage.
Barcelona’s defence, marshalled effectively in the closing stages, managed to withstand Rayo’s late push, securing all three points in a match that tested their resilience.
The victory strengthens Barcelona’s position in the league standings, while Rayo Vallecano will rue missed opportunities after a spirited performance.
Everton delivered a dominant performance to defeat Chelsea 3–0 in their Premier League clash on Saturday, piling further pressure on the London side’s struggling campaign.
Playing at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton took control of the game and capitalised on defensive lapses from Chelsea to secure a convincing victory. Beto was the standout performer, scoring twice; first in the 33rd minute and again shortly after the hour mark to give the hosts a firm grip on the contest.
The home side sealed the win late in the second half when Iliman Ndiaye added a third goal with a fine finish, capping an impressive attacking display.
Chelsea struggled to respond throughout the match despite enjoying spells of possession. Their attacking efforts lacked sharpness, while defensive errors proved costly, extending their poor run of form. The defeat marks their fourth consecutive loss across competitions, raising concerns about consistency and tactical direction.
Everton, on the other hand, continue to build momentum, with back-to-back home wins boosting their hopes of securing a European qualification spot.
The result also narrows the gap between both sides in the league standings, intensifying the race for continental football places.
Manchester United was forced to settle for a 2-2 draw against AFC Bournemouth in a chaotic Premier League encounter at the Vitality Stadium, with controversy, a red card, and late drama shaping the result.
The first half ended goalless, but the game came alive after the break when United captain Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty in the 61st minute to give the visitors the lead.
Bournemouth responded quickly, as Ryan Christie equalised just minutes later following a controversial moment in which United was denied a penalty at the other end.
United regained the lead in the 71st minute through an own goal by James Hill, putting them in control once again. However, the match turned dramatically in the 78th minute when Harry Maguire was sent off for conceding a penalty after bringing down Evanilson.
Substitute Eli Junior Kroupi calmly converted the spot-kick to make it 2-2, ensuring Bournemouth claimed a point after coming from behind twice.
The game was heavily influenced by contentious refereeing decisions, with United Manager Michael Carrick criticizing the inconsistency of penalty calls that he believed cost his side all three points.
Despite the draw, Manchester United remain third in the league standings with 55 points, while Bournemouth continue their impressive unbeaten run and sit mid-table.