By Ibrahim Adebowale
Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised the Federal Government following reports that the Super Eagles boycotted training ahead of Thursday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Obi expressed dismay that players representing Nigeria were being owed allowances despite their dedication to national duty.
“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.
He faulted what he described as the government’s misplaced priorities, saying authorities routinely fund “lavish spending and political patronage” while neglecting those who bring pride to the country.
“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 and bring us pride,” Obi said, calling the situation “a disgrace to a nation that fails to honour its heroes.”
The former Anambra governor said the development sends a discouraging message to young Nigerians that “hard work and service are not rewarded,” urging the government to act swiftly.
“When those who serve their country are not treated with dignity, it sends the wrong message to our youth. Those who represent Nigeria deserve to be paid promptly and treated with respect,” he added.
Nigeria’s World Cup preparations were thrown into disarray on Tuesday after players and backroom staff refused to train in Rabat, Morocco, over unpaid allowances and bonuses.
The standoff, reportedly linked to unresolved financial disputes with football authorities, comes just two days before Nigeria faces Gabon in the semi-final of the Africa World Cup Playoff Tournament at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat — a match seen as critical to the country’s qualification hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
