The Super Eagles of Nigeria are currently embroiled in a significant dispute over unpaid bonuses, leading to their collective refusal to travel to Marrakech for their crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final match against Algeria. This critical development, confirmed by BBC Africa journalist Oluwashina Okeleji, who is present in Morocco, and an insider close to the team who spoke to TheCable on Wednesday, casts a shadow over Nigeria's AFCON campaign.

The team, presently based in Fez, Morocco, is scheduled to travel approximately five hours to Marrakech for the Saturday evening fixture. However, players and officials have taken a firm stance, determining to boycott the trip and any further training sessions until all outstanding allowances are fully paid. TheCable understands that the Eagles are yet to receive their bonuses for all four matches they have played in the competition.

Despite these internal financial challenges, the Super Eagles have demonstrated an exceptional performance at the ongoing AFCON. They have won all four of their matches, finishing top of Group C after securing victories against Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda. Their impressive run continued with a dominant 4-0 thrashing of Mozambique in the Round of 16. With a total of 12 goals, Nigeria stands as the highest-scoring side in the tournament, underscoring their on-field prowess amidst off-field controversies.

This is not an isolated incident for the Nigerian national team. A similar protest occurred just a few months prior, in November 2024, when the team boycotted training during the African World Cup playoffs over a backlog of allowance issues. That previous dispute had severe repercussions, as Nigeria subsequently lost to DR Congo, a defeat that ultimately extinguished the nation's hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. The current standoff highlights a persistent issue within Nigerian football administration, with an insider expressing deep concern: “The players are damn serious. I hope we can find a way to resolve it.” The resolution of these financial grievances is now paramount for the Super Eagles' aspirations in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.