By Stephen Job
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has dismissed reports suggesting that the Nigerian national team is demanding a special bonus ahead of Thursday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon.
In a statement posted on his official X account, Troost-Ekong clarified that the players have made no new financial demands. He explained that the team’s concern remains the settlement of unpaid bonuses and allowances owed to both current and former Super Eagles players, some dating as far back as 2019.
Once resolution is found, we will be the first to confirm. Any other statement, claim, or especially demands other than the rightful request mentioned below is false. All we want and continue to do is focus on the big games ahead, the captain stated.
Team sources have revealed that the idea of a special playoff bonus did not originate from the players but rather from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) before the team’s arrival in Morocco. The players, according to reports, are only asking for a fair resolution to the lingering debt and have not requested any increase in match bonuses.
Meanwhile, all 24 invited players—including Maduka Okoye, Victor Osimhen, and Alhassan Yusuf—have arrived at the team’s camp in Rabat, where preparations are in full swing for the crucial clash against Gabon.
Head coach Eric Chelle is also said to be owed two months’ salary, though he has yet to make any public comment on the issue.
