Tension has reportedly emerged within the Super Eagles squad over unpaid bonuses, reduced allowances and welfare concerns, with players said to have raised grievances before Nigeria’s 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Sports Village Square reported on October 8 that players and officials are still awaiting the winning bonus attached to Nigeria’s third-place play-off victory over Egypt at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Nigeria defeated Egypt 4-2 on penalties after a goalless match in Casablanca on January 17, 2026.
The report stressed that the outstanding payment concerns specifically the bonus for the third-place match and is separate from the earlier bonus dispute that arose during the tournament.
Sports Village Square said sources believed the Federal Government may have released the funds in February, but could not establish why the payment remained outstanding.
The players are also reportedly unhappy over reductions in bonuses and allowances for the Super Eagles’ opening two 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
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According to the report, the changes were made without prior notice or formal consultation with the players and officials.
Nigeria opened its qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 before suffering a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau four days later.
The result left Nigeria with three points from two matches, while Guinea-Bissau moved to six points after winning both of its opening fixtures.
The conditions surrounding the trip to Bissau have also reportedly contributed to the players’ concerns.
Sports Village Square said members of the squad were unhappy with travel arrangements and the level of logistical preparation for the fixture, including the playing and accommodation conditions.
The report further alleged that the situation led to a dressing-room protest shortly before the Guinea-Bissau match, with some players reportedly unwilling to play because of their concerns over the conditions.
There is independent evidence that the playing surface in Bissau was a concern. Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe later explained that Ola Aina was left out of the starting line-up partly because of concerns linked to the poor pitch, given the defender’s previous injury on a similarly poor surface.
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Nigeria ultimately lost 3-0 at the 24 September Stadium, with Franculino Dju, Mama Balde and Alvaro Djalo scoring for the hosts.
The financial allegations have emerged against the backdrop of previous disputes between Nigeria’s national team and football authorities over outstanding payments.
During the 2025 AFCON, the Federal Government announced in January 2026 that the group-stage bonuses due to the Super Eagles had been released after concerns over delayed payments threatened to disrupt the team’s preparations.
The latest allegations also come during a period of major change within Nigerian football administration.
Ibrahim Gusau resigned as NFF president in August, alongside General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation’s Executive Committee, while Emmanuel Ikpeme was appointed interim General Secretary to oversee the NFF secretariat.
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