Aformer presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu for reportedly failing to pay the allowances of Nigeria’s national football team, Super Eagles players.
In a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday, Obi described the situation as “truly unfortunate,” noting that it reflects misplaced priorities in governance.
“It is truly unfortunate that our Super Eagles who consistently give their best in representing our dear nation, are being owed their allowances,” he wrote.
Obi lamented that while funds are frequently available for “needless lavish spending and political patronage,” the same government neglects those who bring pride to the country through their service.
He stated, “We always seem to find money to waste on needless lavish spending and political patronage, yet we cannot pay those who patriotically raise our flag, bring us pride, and serve with dedication. That is what is found in a ‘now disgraced country’.”
Obi warned that the failure to reward patriotic service discourages young Nigerians and erodes national values.
“When those who serve their country are not treated with dignity, it sends the wrong message to our youth, that hard work and service are not rewarded,” Obi said.
He added that those who represent Nigeria deserve to be compensated promptly and accorded the respect they deserve.
“Those who represent Nigeria deserve to be paid promptly and treated with respect. We must do better,” he stated.
SaharaReporters reported on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, that Nigeria’s preparation for Thursday’s crucial World Cup qualifying match against Gabon suffered a major setback on Tuesday as the Super Eagles players and officials boycotted training in Morocco over unpaid bonuses and allowances reportedly owed them since 2023.
Nigerian sports journalist, Pooja, who is currently with the team in Morocco, confirmed the development in a post on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“BREAKING NEWS: Super Eagles players & officials boycott training today in Morocco because of unresolved issues with outstanding payments. This is really sad.”
He further stated: “Let me enter Super Eagles camp for real time news about this bonus & allowances saga. Where is my ankara abeg?”
In another update, Pooja revealed that the financial dispute dates back nearly two years: “According to latest reports, Super Eagles hasn’t been paid bonuses & allowances in 2 years. I’m going to the Super Eagles hotel in Rabat, Morocco 
now.”
The latest crisis comes hours after Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi posted a short video showing the team’s alleged poor lodging conditions in Morocco.
The eight-second clip, which has gone viral, revealed the rundown environment surrounding the team’s hotel, sparking outrage among Nigerian fans over the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) handling of the national team’s welfare.
Iwobi’s silent video, filmed through his hotel room window, captured what appeared to be a poorly maintained compound, reinforcing widespread complaints about neglect and disorganisation within the Super Eagles camp.
The Super Eagles had opened their training camp in Rabat on Sunday, with early arrivals including Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, and Olakunle Olusegun, as preparations intensified for their must-win encounter against Gabon.
However, the players’ decision to boycott training has thrown Nigeria’s World Cup hopes into uncertainty, raising questions about the NFF’s transparency and commitment to fulfilling contractual obligations.
As of press time, the Nigeria Football Federation had not issued an official statement addressing the players’ protest or clarifying when the outstanding bonuses would be settled.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to face Gabon on Thursday in Rabat, with the winner advancing to the African playoff final against Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo on November 16.
But with morale reportedly at an all-time low and players refusing to train, Nigeria’s quest to return to the World Cup now hangs in the balance.
