Holiday Ayo - The Nigerian national team players have gone on strike ahead of a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying play-off match in the African zone.

This action was sparked by their disappointment with the Nigeria Football Federation's (NFF) treatment of the Super Eagles regarding payment issues.

The Super Eagles had to postpone their qualification for the 2026 World Cup after being eliminated from the play-offs.

Nigeria was one of the best runners-up in the first round of qualifying after finishing second in Group C.

Nigeria trails South Africa by one point, with a total of 17 points from 10 matches. Nigeria is scheduled to face Gabon at Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, on Thursday (November 13) evening WIB.

However, ahead of this crucial match, the players decided to go on strike in protest.

According to a report by African journalist Oluwashina Okeleji, this action was initiated because the NFF had not yet paid their promised allowances and bonuses.

Okeleji added that the NFF owes players bonuses since 2019, including allowances for players competing in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

Super Eagles player William Troost-Ekong also confirmed the issue on social media. In his statement, he emphasized that the players will remain focused on the match despite the uncertainty surrounding payments.

“Once a resolution is found, we will be the first to confirm,” Troost-Ekong wrote in his post.

Troost-Ekong emphasized that their focus is on the upcoming big match, despite the unresolved issues.

This drama surrounding NFF payments adds to the long list of issues the Nigerian national team has faced during the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

In addition to the payment issues, the NFF has also faced criticism regarding player accommodation.

Fulham striker Alex Iwobi sparked controversy after posting a short video on Snapchat mocking the hotel where his team was staying in Morocco.

In the video, Iwobi described the hotel as being in poor condition.

Iwobi filmed his room and the view of several modest apartment buildings, grimacing without uttering a word. Many interpreted this gesture as a criticism of the hotel's standards.