Nigeria Football Team Preparations Marred by Speculation and Bonus Payment Rumours. Marrakesh, Morocco — Nigeria’s preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal against Algeria have been overshadowed by speculation regarding internal strife and unpaid bonuses, according to reports. Star striker Victor Osimhen is rumored to be at the center of the controversy, while players are alleged to have threatened to boycott training unless their bonuses are paid.
Nigeria coach Eric Chelle, however, has remained focused on the upcoming match, declining to comment on the reports. “This is my job, to stay focused – to try to stay focused – to stay focused about only the pitch (field), and definitely my job is on the pitch, not around, “Chelle said in Marrakesh a day before the match against Algeria.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has yet to address the bonus payment issue publicly.
Meanwhile, the NFF continues to advertise a vacancy for the position of head coach of the men’s team, a year and a day after Chelle’s appointment. Nigerian media outlets reported that players had threatened not to train or travel to Marrakesh for the match unless they were paid agreed bonuses for winning their first four Africa Cup games.
The team arrived in Marrakesh on Thursday and had their first training session there the same day.
Chelle also declined to comment on reports that Osimhen was on the verge of leaving the team after an on — field argument with teammate Ademola Lookman during the Super Eagles’4-0 win over Mozambique in the last 16 on Monday. “I prefer to speak about the (upcoming) game.
Victor is there and that’s all, “Chelle. “.
Yes, everyone’s speaking about Osimhen and Lookman, it’s normal, they’re the last two best African players, but we’re here to serve them to score, we’re working for them. We’re a team, and that’s what teamwork is all about.”
Nigeria, which lost the final to Ivory Coast in the last edition, is aiming to win the title for a fourth time.
This would help make up for the disappointment of failing to qualify for the World Cup. Both of Algeria’s two titles included wins over Nigeria on the way – twice in 1990 and again in the semifinals in 2019.
Further details are expected as the situation unfolds.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
