2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Blasts Nigeria Over Bonus Dispute

Story: written by Peterson November 13,2025
Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney has condemned the recent bonus dispute between the Super Eagles and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), calling it “a real shame.”

Nigeria’s participation in the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff was briefly thrown into uncertainty on Tuesday after the team reportedly refused to train in protest over unpaid match bonuses.

By Wednesday afternoon, a team statement confirmed that all issues had been resolved, with players reportedly in high spirits ahead of Thursday’s crucial encounter.

Deeney criticised the timing of such distractions, stressing that off-field disputes have repeatedly disrupted Nigerian football at critical moments.

“It’s a real shame because it’s a huge moment in the World Cup qualifiers and we are now talking about off-the-pitch stuff again. It’s not the first time, not the second time,” he told CBS Sports Golazo.

In the playoffs, Nigeria will face Gabon in the first semi-final in Rabat on Thursday. The winner will meet either Cameroon or DR Congo, who will contest the second semi-final later the same day.