“Why We Did Not Train”: Super Eagles Captain Troost-Ekong Clarifies Players’ Stand on Owed Bonuses

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has denied reports that Nigeria’s players are demanding a special bonus ahead of Thursday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon.

In a statement on X, Troost-Ekong said the team had not made any new financial requests and urged fans to ignore misleading stories. He explained that the players only want the payment of outstanding bonuses and allowances owed to them and former Super Eagles players since 2019.

“Once resolution is found we will be the first to confirm. Any other statement or claim, 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,” Troost-Ekong stated.

It was gathered that the idea of a special playoff bonus did not come from the players but was first suggested by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) before the team’s camp in Morocco.

Reports indicate that the players are seeking a fair settlement of their long-overdue entitlements, not an increase in match bonuses.

Meanwhile, all 24 invited players, including Maduka Okoye, Victor Osimhen, and Alhassan Yusuf, are now in camp in Rabat as preparations continue for Thursday’s must-win clash against Gabon.

Head coach Eric Chelle is also said to be owed two months’ salary, though he has not made any public statement about it.