- Nigeria’s players have threatened relegation from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations ahead of their quarter-final match
- The three-time champions are expected to meet the 2019 champions, Algeria, on Saturday in a fierce match between two African giants
- Their preparations for the match could be hampered by their recent spat with the Nigeria Football Federation
A new dispute is emerging in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after the players of Nigeria reportedly threatened to boycott their next practice and game.
Source: Getty Images
Nigeria is one of the teams that made it to the quarter finals, beating Mozambique 4-0 in their Round of 16 match.
The Super Eagles have a good record so far, winning all their games in Morocco, but their preparations for the next game could be hampered if the latest reports are anything to go by.
Why Nigeria have threatened to boycott their game with Algeria
The BBC’s Oluwashina Okeleji reports that the players have informed the Nigeria Football Federation that they will not travel until they receive their win bonuses from the first four games in the tournament. They won it Tanzania 2-1, Tunisia 3-2 and Uganda 3-1 in the group stage.
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Nigeria are expected to leave Fez on Thursday for Marrakech, where they will play Algeria on Saturday in the third quarter-final.
“#Nigeria players and coaching staff are waiting for #AFCON2025 bonus payments. Win bonuses from four matches – against Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda and Mozambique – have yet to be received. The squad is still considering but will NOT train or travel to Marrakech on Thursday if this is not resolved,” said Oluwashina on his X account.
Source: Twitter
NFF responds to the dispute about benefits
However, ESPN reports that NFF president Ibrahim Gusau revealed that the matter has been resolved.
“The players were shown documents that their payments have been processed, and they trained today, so there is no problem there.”
A source further told ESPN that the funds have been delayed because Nigerian law prohibits the transfer of cash, especially foreign currency. Therefore, the Central Bank of Nigeria processed the payment, which could take up to seven days.
“But the payment has been processed through the Central Bank and will be available to the players in their personal accounts within seven days.”
The source indicated that the group stage bonuses had been paid, and the only payment remaining was a win against Mozambique.
Bonus disputes are now new in the Nigerian camp. Last year, the team also threatened to boycott their World Cup qualifier against DR Congo before stepping in at the last minute. They lost to DR Congo and will not be at this year’s World Cup.
Osimhen and Lookman involved in a fight on the field
In another report, Victor Osimhen clashed with Ademola Lookman during Nigeria’s victory over Mozambique
Osimhen faced Lookman after the Atalanta striker failed to give him the ball and the score was 3-0.
Later Osimhen asked to be removed from the field, while Moses Simon took his place.
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