2026 World Cup: Troost-Ekong says ‘financials cleared’ as Super Eagles return to training
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has announced that the payment issue between the players and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has been resolved, noting that outstanding financial matters have been settled.
“Issue resolved,” Troost-Ekong said in a statement on Wednesday. “Outstanding financials cleared and on ground. The team is united and focused as before on representing Nigeria with our maximum for the games ahead!”
This came after the team boycotted their training session on Tuesday, ahead of the crucial game against Gabon in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African Play-Off Tournament, which starts in Morocco on Thursday.
In an initial statement on Tuesday, the aggrieved players, through Troost-Ekong, had vowed not to end their protest until the Nigeria Football Federation settled the unpaid allowances and match bonuses they were owed.
The boycott forced the federation and National Sports Commission to enter negotiations with the players before reaching an agreement on Wednesday.
The team’s media officer, Promise Efoghe, confirmed to Peoples Gazette that the players have returned to training, stating, “They are currently training. Issues resolved, football won.”
Meanwhile, the players maintained that the team’s morale has not been affected by the situation and that they are ready for the game against Gabon.
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