Nigeria’s preparations for Thursday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off against Gabon received a major boost on Wednesday after the players called off their brief strike and agreed to return to training.
Team captain William Troost-Ekong confirmed the resolution in a short but reassuring post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, writing:
“Issue RESOLVED. We are together and, as before, focused on the games ahead!”
The message effectively ended hours of uncertainty that had clouded the Super Eagles’ camp in Rabat, where the players had reportedly boycotted training over unpaid allowances and appearance fees.
According to sources close to the team, mediation efforts involving senior officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and representatives of the players led to a late-night breakthrough, clearing the air before Wednesday’s scheduled final training session.
With the impasse settled, the focus now shifts back to football as Nigeria prepare to face Gabon’s Panthers in a decisive play-off that could define their World Cup ambitions.
The return to training comes as a relief for both fans and officials, who had feared the disruption could derail Nigeria’s momentum and invite disciplinary scrutiny from FIFA or the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
While the details of the resolution remain undisclosed, Troost-Ekong’s statement signals a unified front within the squad — a positive turn as the Super Eagles seek to maintain composure and deliver on the pitch.
Kick-off for the Nigeria–Gabon match is scheduled for Thursday night at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, where all eyes will be on whether the truce off the field translates into triumph on it.
@ Sports Village Square
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