Peter Obi condemns non-payment of Super Eagles’ allowances

Peter Obi, a 2023 Labour Party presidential contender and former governor of Anambra, has blasted the Nigerian government and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for not paying the Super Eagles’ outstanding allowances.

Obi called the circumstance “unfortunate” and said it was a sign of the nation’s larger governance issues.

Obi highlights governance failures

In a post on his verified X account on Wednesday, Obi expressed dismay that a nation able to fund “needless lavish spending” struggles to pay athletes who represent it internationally.

“It is deeply disappointing that our Super Eagles, who consistently bring pride to Nigeria, are yet to receive their due allowances,” he wrote.

“We have resources for wasteful spending and political patronage, yet those who serve our nation with dedication are left unpaid. This is the reality of a country struggling with accountability.”

Obi went on to say that this kind of disregard gives young people in Nigeria a concerning lesson about the importance of hard work and service. “Those who represent the nation should be paid promptly and treated with dignity.” “The government needs to improve,” he stated.

Players’ boycott in Rabat

The former presidential candidate’s remarks come amid a standoff in Morocco, where Super Eagles players and staff boycotted training on Tuesday.

The protest stems from unpaid bonuses and allowances stretching over months, with players threatening to withhold participation until the federation settles its obligations.

The situation has disrupted Nigeria’s preparations ahead of Thursday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoff clash against Gabon.

According to sources, the players’ frustrations reflect not only current arrears but a longstanding pattern of financial neglect.

A history of financial disputes

The dispute mirrors repeated tensions between Nigerian footballers and administrator. Generations of players, from the 1994 AFCON champions to the 2018 World Cup squad, have faced delayed payments and broken agreements.

Former national captain Sunday Oliseh previously alleged that the NFF withheld players’ FIFA World Cup qualification bonuses in 2002.

“We had agreed to split $1 million from FIFA, but key players were removed to avoid paying what was owed,” Oliseh said.

Team captain William Troost-Ekong, however, urged calm and accuracy in reporting. “Once a resolution is found, we will confirm it. Any other statements are false. Our focus remains on the games ahead,” he said.

Efforts to resolve the crisis

As of Wednesday morning, NFF president Ibrahim Gusau was scheduled to meet with the players in Rabat. The meeting follows consultations with the National Sports Commission (NSC), which said it had released funds to cover outstanding obligations for the World Cup playoff.