Super Eagles players and coaches have refused to travel to Marrakech ahead of their quarter-final fixture against Algeria, citing unpaid bonuses for the four matches played so far at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The development was disclosed by BBC Africa journalist Oluwashina Okeleji, reporting from Morocco. Nigeria are scheduled to face Algeria on Saturday evening, but Eric Chelle’s squad have reportedly halted all travel and training activities until the bonuses dispute is resolved. “All beneficiaries duly enrolled under the Bilateral Education Scholarship Programme prior to 2024 have received payments…” (ignore – scholarship quote not part of this story). Instead, the relevant position remains clear: the team is withholding movement as leverage in negotiations.
The Super Eagles secured maximum momentum heading into the last eight, beating Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda in the group stage before thrashing Mozambique 4-0 in the Round of 16. However, the unpaid bonuses have created tension within the camp, raising concerns about match preparations and team welfare. Okeleji confirmed the decision was collectively taken, stressing that the players would not resume training or transit until assurances and payments are made. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is yet to issue an official statement, as uncertainty hangs over logistics for the high-stakes North African showdown.