By Angu Lesley Ngwa Akonwi
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
Nigeria’s preparations for Thursday’s crucial CAF World Cup qualifying playoff against Gabon have been overshadowed by a series of off-field controversies, ranging from logistical hiccups to financial disputes.
It all began with accommodation issues, as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) initially announced that all hotels in Rabat were fully booked, forcing the Super Eagles to lodge in Casablanca. The plan was for the team to travel to the Moroccan capital on match day — a decision that sparked outrage among fans and pundits.
The matter appeared settled when arrangements were finally made for the team to relocate to Rabat earlier this week. However, reports have since emerged of fresh disagreements over hotel allocations once they arrived.
The situation took another twist on Monday, with local media claiming that some players and officials refused to take part in training, protesting unpaid bonuses and outstanding allowances dating back to 2019.
The NFF is yet to issue an official statement on the matter, but the disruptions come at a critical time as coach Eric Chelle’s Nigeria chase a World Cup ticket against a confident Gabon side.
Nigeria, one of Africa’s traditional football powerhouses, are seeking to return to the FIFA World Cup after missing out on Qatar 2022. The Super Eagles finished second behind South Africa in their qualifying group — a disappointment to many fans — but the playoffs now offer a chance for redemption after a topsy-turvy campaign marked by inconsistent performances.
The one-leg playoff against Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s Gabon will be played on neutral ground in Morocco, with the winner advancing to the final stage of the CAF qualifying series.
Kick-off is scheduled for Thursday evening at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
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