Akin Ayomide
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has debunked reports claiming that the national team is demanding a special bonus ahead of Thursday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon.
In a statement shared on X, Troost-Ekong stressed that the players have not made any fresh financial demands.
He said the team is simply calling for settlement of outstanding bonuses and allowances owed to both current and former Super Eagles players dating back to 2019.
“Once resolution is found we will be the first to confirm. Any other statement/claim or eSPECIALly demands other than the rightful request written about below is FALSE. All we want and continue to do is focus on the big games ahead,” he stated.
It was also gathered that the concept of a special playoff bonus originated from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) before the team’s arrival in Morocco, not from the players.
Sources say the squad is only requesting a fair resolution to the long-standing debt and is not asking for increased match bonuses.
Meanwhile, all 24 invited players, including Maduka Okoye, Victor Osimhen, and Alhassan Yusufare now in camp in Rabat as preparations intensify for Thursday’s crucial encounter against Gabon.
Head coach Eric Chelle is reportedly owed two months’ salary but has not yet commented publicly on the matter.