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.
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.
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi reached a remarkable milestone on Wednesday, scoring the 900th goal of his illustrious career, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Inter Miami from being eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions Cup on away goals after a 1-1 draw with Nashville SC.
Messi, 38, opened the scoring just seven minutes into the second leg of the Round of 16 clash, giving Miami an early advantage in what was the club’s final game at their Chase Stadium home in Fort Lauderdale.
However, Nashville’s Cristian Espinoza equalized in the 74th minute, sending the visitors from Tennessee through to the quarter-finals under the away goals rule.
The goal marked Messi’s 81st in Major League Soccer since joining Inter Miami in 2023. Across his career, he has also scored 672 goals for Barcelona, 32 for Paris Saint-Germain, and 115 for the Argentina national team.
Goal number 900 comes 21 years after Messi’s senior debut goal for Barcelona in a 2-0 win over Albacete in 2005, when he was just 17. Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Messi still trails his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who currently has 965 career goals.
Speaking ahead of the milestone, Miami manager and former teammate Javier Mascherano described Messi’s goal record as “insane.” “I’ve been lucky to witness many of his goals up close, and that’s a privilege. The number we’re talking about is insane that’s why Leo is one of a kind,” Mascherano said.
Wednesday’s match was also a farewell to Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium, their home since entering Major League Soccer in 2020. The team is set to move to a new 26,700-seat facility next month.
Messi, who has already extended his Inter Miami contract through 2028, is expected to feature in his sixth World Cup later this year as Argentina defend their title in the expanded 48-team tournament across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Messi’s career has been defined by prolific scoring. He netted 672 times in 778 games for Barcelona, winning 35 trophies, then added 32 goals in 75 appearances for PSG, and 81 goals in 96 matches for Inter Miami, helping the team secure the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2025 MLS Cup.
Internationally, he has scored 115 goals in 196 appearances, including two in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup final victory over France.
Despite Messi’s record-breaking achievement, Inter Miami will look ahead to the new season and their new home, while fans celebrate one of football’s greatest ever scorers.