Nigeria's team captain William Troost-Ekong has stated that the players are fully focused on the upcoming match against Gabon in the African playoff qualifier for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a resolution of the bonus dispute that led to a training boycott. Players refused to participate in training on Tuesday in protest against unpaid bonuses, media reports of which date back to 2019. However, Troost-Ekong confirmed that the issue has been resolved with the Nigerian Football Federation, at least for the time being. "The problem is solved. We are together, and as before, we are focused on the upcoming matches!" Troost-Ekong wrote on the social media platform X on Wednesday, without providing further details. The Nigerian Football Federation did not respond to requests for comment. Nigeria will face Gabon in the African playoff semi-final in the Moroccan city of Rabat, hoping to secure a place in the final on Sunday against Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo. The winner of the African playoff will advance to the worldwide playoff in March, from which two teams will qualify for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, featuring 48 teams.
